Skip header information|
Wadsworth Center Home - Science in the Pursuit of Health|
NY.gov Portal State Agency Listing
Wadsworth Center, Department of Health, New York StateD Wadsworth Center New York State Department of Health
Main Body

Molecular Methods Development Group

The Clinical Virology Molecular Methods Development Group enhances and supports the ability of the Wadsworth Center to rapidly respond to emerging viral pathogens with molecular-based diagnostic assays. A number of molecular-based technology platforms with the potential to meet this need exist and are gradually replacing conventional methods in diagnostic laboratories. These platforms include:

  • Real-time PCR
  • Bead-based Luminex technology
  • Microarrays and
  • Pyrosequencing

The testing laboratories are developing molecular tests, mostly real-time PCR, to address immediate needs. The Molecular Methods Development Group is working on the newer technologies and high-level multiplexing systems.

The limitations that have delayed the development of multiplexed assays occur at several levels and include the lack of a universal sample preparation method that can be applied to all organisms and samples. Additionally, initial approaches to multiplexed assays have shown that considerable optimization of assay conditions is necessary to avoid a loss of sensitivity.

While multiple methodologies have been available for some time, there has been no critical head-to-head evaluation of the platforms with respect to sensitivity, specificity, reproducibility and cost effectiveness to provide a basis for comparison. Unbiased determination of the most effective assay for identification of infectious agents is an essential next step in upgrading our defenses against infectious diseases.

The long term goal of this unit is to utilize the best available technology to develop rapid, accurate and cost-effective syndrome-based diagnostic assays for a broad spectrum of viral agents.

Technologies currently under investigation:

  • Bead-based Luminex technology for nucleic acid detection - RNA respiratory virus assay validation (11-plex)
  • Testing of microarrays for the detection of influenza samples from New York State
  • MassTag PCR detection of viral pathogens