2023AM: Development and Validation of Multiplex SARS-COV2 Variants of Concern (CE: 1.0)
Description:
In the Fall of 2020, the SARS-CoV2 wild-type (WT) (Wuhan-Hu-1) virus began to show a variety of variations of mutations that impacted the clinical presentation and infectivity. Working closely with public health officials in our region, the laboratory developed a program to identify variants of concern in persons that tested positive for the SARS-CoV2 virus and report this information to clinicians and public health officials. Information reported to clinicians included specific polymorphisms of the spike gene that affected infectivity and clinical response, along with the specific variant of the virus. In this session, attendees will learn about developing and validating laboratory methods for the identification of nucleotide polymorphisms using qPCR and learn the importance of working closely with public health personnel to track highly infectious viruses in real-time.
Learning Objectives:
- Develop and validate a multiplex PCR method for viral variant identification.
- Communicate across disciplines complex laboratory information and track viral variants in real-time.
- Consider the implementation of highly complex workflows during a pandemic with high test volumes.
Author(s):
William Budd, MDT (AMT), MB, PhD
Launched: 2023