Infectious-disease PCR
Targeted or syndromic amplification for selected organisms.
World time
Molecular Laboratory Clinic / Diagnostic discipline
Molecular Pathology
Use nucleic-acid and genomic evidence to refine diagnosis, prognosis and treatment pathways.
Purpose and scope
Evidence designed for the decision.
Molecular pathology examines DNA and RNA changes in pathogens, inherited conditions and tumours. Consent, tissue content, assay limits, variant classification and clinical interpretation are essential; a detected or undetected target does not always establish or exclude disease by itself.
Scope noteAvailability, recognised methods and accreditation status must be confirmed for the exact laboratory, location, test and sample type before use.
Specialist capabilities
A connected technical programme.
Panels are selected after the question, sample matrix, applicable limits, required sensitivity and reporting purpose are understood.
Hereditary testing
Consent-led germline pathways with counselling and confirmatory requirements.
Oncology biomarkers
Tumour mutation and fusion testing to support classification or treatment selection.
Monitoring
Quantitative or high-sensitivity assays for selected disease markers.
Samples and evidence
Defined matrices.
Controlled handling.
Correct container, identity, preservation, temperature, transport and holding time are agreed before collection.
01Whole blood02Plasma03Swabs04Fresh tissue05FFPE tissue06Extracted DNA or RNA
The laboratory pathway
Confirm request, consent and patient identification
Collect and transport the correct specimen
Examine with validated methods and quality controls
Authorise, interpret and communicate the report
Authoritative framework
Primary guidance for quality and practice.
COHSEW summarises these sources; it does not reproduce standards or replace current national rules and competent professional judgement.
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