Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory

Lawrence Corey, MD; Keith Jerome, MD, PhD; Linda Cook, Ph.D; Meei-Li Huang, PhD

The Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory has three main functions:

1. support for the projects in the program project "Clinical Epidemiology and Pathogenesis of Asymptomatic HSV" and other research projects
2. clinical diagnosis of viral infections  Clinical Lab Photo
3. development of cutting-edge molecular diagnostic techniques. Research Lab Photo

The Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory acts as a core facility for the Division's virology research projects. The laboratory performs polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests for detection of HSV-1 and -2, CMV, EBV, VZV, HHV-6, HHV-8, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, BK, JC, enterovirus, and parvovirus B19. The research specimen throughput ranges from 500 to 1500 specimens per week. This large number of specimens has necessitated the increasing use of automation in testing. The Molecular Diagnostic laboratory has been involved in the development and optimization of PCR techniques for detection of herpesviruses using the "TaqMan" analytical thermocycler, as well as automated extraction of viral nucleic acid.

The laboratory also has a clinical diagnosis function for the UW hospital system, FHCRC as well as northwest regional hospitals. The laboratory performs PCR analyses on about 20,000 clinical specimens per year.

The investigators in the Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory are also involved in developing new techniques for molecular detection of viruses. They are working to optimize quantitation of viral DNA and RNA, to increase the efficiency of testing, and to develop molecular tests for other viruses.