When designing molecular diagnostic tests, different parameters are of interest to evaluate, for example, sensitivity, specificity, dynamic range, turnaround time and user friendliness. Which parameters are most important depends on application and may require extensive optimization. Examples will be discussed based on quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and digital PCR (dPCR).

The polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) is firmly established as the method of choice for the detection of microbial agents in the areas of clinical, veterinary and agricultural diagnostics and food safety. The current pandemic has highlighted the critical importance of local, fast and specific testing for SARS-CoV-2. It should also act as a wake-up call for the threat posed by infectious diseases spreading because of climate change, increasing antibiotic resistance and the hazard of zoonotic transfer caused by human encroachment of animal habitats. We are working on new tests, protocol and reagents to achieve faster molecular diagnostic testing both for both laboratory based and POC applications. Our target of delivering a diagnostic test result within five minutes of sampling has the potential to lead to a paradigm shift in our approach to detecting and classifying microbial pathogens in preparation for the inevitable next pandemic

This online symposium will explore the tools and techniques being used to study diseases in the lab. Focus will be given to cell culture, organs-on-chips and key modeling strategies, as well as how research advances are enabling researchers to elucidate the underlying biological mechanisms of disease and support diagnostic and therapeutic development.

Asset Management has traditionally been built for large pharma companies. But with advancements in technology, that is no longer true. Asset management programs are available for all companies, regardless of size.

In today’s world, laboratories are constantly pushed to be faster, more effective, more accurate, with less waste and cost. At the same time emerging technologies provide labs with an opportunity to change the way they work today making them more efficient and effective. Leveraging these technologies will determine the success of your lab to evolve into the lab of tomorrow.

Most organizations now recognize digitalization as a necessity for the lab of the future, yet many find it difficult to justify the expense, get stakeholder buy-in, or move the process forward. The delay carries significant risks – anything from untraceable data, lost protocols, to non-compliance of regulatory requirements on data integrity. It also takes away the opportunities to automate, scale up, and integrate lab processes efficiently.