The Broad Utility (and Potential Pitfalls) of qPCR in Diagnosing Infectious Diseases

The real-time polymerase chain reaction has become one of the most pervasive in vitro diagnostic techniques for the evaluation and management of infectious diseases. For both DNA- and RNA-based targets, the latter via qRT-PCR, the technique has transformed both the detection and quantification of human pathogens. Its utility extends across centralized diagnostic platforms, rapid point-of-care tests and assays validated by individual laboratories. However, despite the technique's widespread utility, the diagnostic implementation of qPCR requires careful attention to detail.

In this webinar, Dr. Jonathan Schmitz will provide a broad overview of PCR in diagnostic microbiology, with particular emphasis on the challenges that can face the development of new assays and impact their clinical actionability.

Through this webinar, participants will gain conceptual and practical insights to the development of qPCR assays for their own laboratories, whether intended directly for patient care as true IVDs or research-use methodologies that demand the same level of quality and rigor.

Attend this webinar to learn about:

• The basic molecular biology of qPCR and its different variations
• Common and specialized applications of qPCR in diagnostic microbiology practice
• The impact of the last several years (especially the COVID-19 pandemic) on the impact of qPCR in infectious diseases
• Caveats and limitations surrounding the diagnostic applications of qPCR