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| Clinical
and Research Laboratory |
Virology
& Molecularbiology |
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Virology
& Molecular Biology Laboratory:
The lab is equipped with automated high-end instruments
for molecular diagnosis of STIs and HIV. Quality of
the testing is assured throughout the testing process.
The current test menu includes HIV-1 RNA and DNA PCR
and CT/NG DNA Multiplex PCR.
HIV-1
RNA PCR - Quantitative( VIRAL LOAD TESTING):
Accurate monitoring of viral load levels, in conjunction
with clinical presentation and other laboratory markers
may be used to assess prognosis, monitor anti-retroviral
therapy and clinical management of HIV-1 infected patients.
This assay quantitatively measures the amount of HIV-1
RNA in the |
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peripheral blood (viral load). The COBAS Amplicor™
HIV-1 Monitor Test, v1.5 is an in vitro nucleic acid amplification
test for the quantification of HIV-1 RNA in human plasma for
use on the COBAS Amplicor™ Analyzer - an instrument
that automates critical steps (amplification and detection)
of the PCR process. The test facilitates the quantification
of HIV-1 RNA over the range of 50-750,000 copies/mL.
Required specimen is anticoagulated plasma in EDTA tube. Heparin
separated plasma sample should not be used. Turn around time
(TAT) for this assay is 5-7 days |
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| Roche
COBAS Amplicor |
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| BD
ProbeTec |
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Roche
Multiplex PCR for Gonococcus and Chlamydia:
The Amplicor Chlamydia trachomatis / Neisseria gonorrhoae
(CT/NG) test is a multiplex qualitative in vitro test for
the detection of its DNA in the clinical specimens (urine
/ vaginal swab). The Amplicor CT/NG test is based on four
major processes: specimen preparation; PCR amplification,
for a target DNA using biotinylated primers; hybridization
of the amplified products to oligonucleotide probes specific
to the targets; and detection of probe-bound amplified products
by color formation.
Strand
Displacement Assay (SDA):
The BDProbeTec ET Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoae
Amplified DNA Assays, use the Strand Displacement technology
for the direct, qualitative detection of Chlamydia trachomatis
and Neisseria gonorrhoae in endocervical swabs, male urethral
swabs, and in female and male urine specimens, as evidence
of infection. Specimens may be from symptomatic or asymptomatic
females and males. Detection of C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae
can be performed from a single specimen. The advantage of
SDA over Roche Amplicor is that the TAT is short and the technology
is not interfered by the microbicides such as gel.
HIV-1 GENOTYPIC RESISTANCE
TESTING:
Drug resistance has been identified as a major factor contributing
to therapy failure. The genetic basis of drug resistance is
the high mutation rate and very high replication rate of HIV.
Persistent viral replication in the presence of sub-inhibitory
drug levels leads to the evolution of drug resistant variants
and consequently to therapy failure. In order to find a new
potent drug combination after therapy failure, current treatment
guidelines recommend resistance testing. Different methods
for resistance testing exist, which are either based on scanning
the viral genome for resistance-associated mutations (genotypic
assays) or on measuring viral activity in cell culture assays
in the presence or absence of drug (phenotypic assays). Genotypic
tests are used more commonly in clinical settings because
of their wider availability, lower cost, and short turnaround
time. Required specimen is EDTA anticoagulated plasma. Patient
must have a viral load of more than1000 copies/mL for genotyping
to be performed. The report is provided within 7 days. |
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