Molecular Methods of Infectious Agent Detection

In this webinar, Dr. Mark Pandori will join us to delve into the use of advanced molecular techniques, particularly DNA and RNA-based methods, to detect infectious agents in clinical specimens. We will explore how these innovative technologies, including qPCR, offer sensitive and rapid diagnostics for infections, enabling precise identification and quantification of pathogens. Attend this webinar to: • Understand the different molecular methods used to detect infectious agents in physiological specimens • Learn the mechanisms of qPCR and other molecular diagnostic tools for pathogen detection • Evaluate the benefits and challenges of implementing molecular testing in clinical settings • Discuss future advancements and potential innovations in molecular testing for infectious diseases Speaker – Mark Pandori, PhD Chief, Laboratory Services, Sacramento County Public Health Bio: As Director of the NSPHL, Mark Pandori, Ph.D., leads Nevada's centralized lab that protects, maintains and improves the health of Nevada citizens and visitors through the rapid detection of public health threats. Among the NSPHL's programs and services includes surveillance of infectious and communicable diseases, emergency response to biological and chemical terrorism, environmental health and safety of water, monitoring and identifying the outbreak of foodborne diseases, and Nevada's newborn screening program. Dr. Pandori earned his Bachelor of Science degree in genetics from the University of California, Berkeley; his Ph.D. in biomedical science, virology, from the University of California, San Diego; a Certification in public health microbiology, public health microbiology from the California Department of Health and completed a fellowship at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Pandori is board certified as a high complexity laboratory director by the American Board of Bioanalysis and is certified as a public health microbiologist by the State of California. Dr. Pandori's professional affiliations are extensive, including service with the American Society for Microbiology, Northern California Branch: American Society for Microbiology (ASM), American Association of Bioanalysts and Association of Public Health Laboratories. Dr. Pandori has authored over 50 peer-reviewed publications and has received multiple awards and honors. His research on the use of molecular methods for the rapid detection and description of infectious organisms was published in Scientific American. Dr. Pandori has also been featured on the cover of CAP Today. Molecular Methods of Infectious Agent Detection