Molecular pathology testing continues to evolve and gain prominence as the preferred method of testing in the clinical laboratory. Building on the tremendous success of its first offering in 2008, this year’s course will focus on current practices of molecular pathology, with an emphasis on case-based examples, technologies, and clinical applications.

Content Level
The course content level will be intermediate to advanced; therefore, the program will be geared toward participants who have a basic knowledge of current theory and practice of molecular pathology, and who wish to increase their competence and skills in the newest principles and techniques in this field.

Target Audience
Those who “must attend” this program include laboratory medicine physicians, directors, managers, supervisors, technologists, fellows, industry professionals, and others seeking to expand their knowledge and skills in molecular pathology testing.

Learning Objectives

After attending this course, participants should be able to:

Genetic Disorders

• Describe the common features of several genetic disorders.
• List and explain the most commonly used diagnostic assays for several genetic disorders.
• Advise on the limitations of molecular testing for several genetic disorders and the clinical utility of the test results.

Infectious Diseases

• List the molecular tests available for the diagnosis and management of clostridum difficile, viral hepatitis, respiratory viruses, and human papillomavirus.
• Describe the analytical strengths and weaknesses of these molecular tests. 
• Describe how nucleic acid testing can be applied clinically.

Molecular Oncology

• Describe how molecular testing can assist in the diagnosis of tumor type, prognostication, tumor detection/monitoring, and directing therapy.
• Advocate the value of genetic testing for hereditary cancer syndromes, including how they aid physicians in diagnosing the syndromes.
• Describe the role of drug metabolism in targeted therapy for cancer, and provide several examples of molecular testing for targeted therapies.

Pharmacogeneomics/Pharmacogenetics

• Articulate how pharmacogenetics can be applied to strengthen a physician’s ability to customize drug therapy for patients.
• Describe various analytical platforms and their clinical uses and limitations.

Setting up a Molecular Testing Lab

• List and explain the business aspects that should be addressed when considering setting up a molecular testing lab.
• List and explain the regulatory issues that impact molecular testing.

Organizing Committee