Molecular Testing for Respiratory Tract Infections: Preparing for an Uncertain Flu Season and the Use of Expanded RTI Panels
Title: Molecular Testing for Respiratory Tract Infections
Date: August 19, 2022
Time: 1 p.m. ET
Presenters: Manoj Gandhi, MD, PhD and Vijay Singh, MD, PhD
Preparing for an Uncertain Flu Season and the Use of Expanded RTI Panels
Respiratory tract infections are caused by a variety of viruses, bacteria, fungi, and other microbes that cause similar symptoms. Moreover, the concurrent presence of viral and bacterial pathogens is a growing concern and effective detection methods are required to detect potential co-infections. The addition of SARS-CoV-2 to the pathogen ecosystem has further complicated this landscape. Accurate detection of these pathogens is critical for appropriate patient management and molecular testing is an extremely sensitive method to achieve this.
In this workshop, the speakers will discuss common questions regarding expectations for the upcoming flu season, testing for the plethora of respiratory pathogens capable of causing severe disease, and antimicrobial stewardship.
Learning Objectives
This webinar will help you:
- Assess the dynamics of the upcoming cold/flu season and learn about molecular diagnostic solutions for simultaneously detecting and differentiating COVID-19, seasonal flu, and other illnesses
- Clarify the clinical guidelines and value of expanded molecular panels for identifying influenza-like illnesses, co-infections, and anti-microbial resistance
- Prepare to utilize your existing capabilities to implement molecular testing for respiratory tract infections in your lab
For research use only. Not for diagnostic procedures.
This webinar is produced by Whitehat Communications, a provider of continuing education programs in clinical laboratory sciences that has been approved by the ASCLS P.A.C.E.™ Program. One P.A.C.E. credit hour will be provided for this complimentary, basic-level program.
Presenters
Manoj Gandhi, MD, PhD
As a molecular pathologist and the senior medical director for genetic testing solutions at Thermo Fisher Scientific, Dr. Manoj Gandhi is responsible for the medical strategy for product development, on-market product support, and customer engagement. He has also held leadership positions in the biotechnology industry.
Vijay Singh, MD, PhD
Dr. Vijay Singh is the vice president of research and development at HealthTrackRx in Denton, Texas, where he leads the development of molecular tests for pathogen and disease targets on qPCR and NGS platforms. He completed his PhD in molecular biology and post-doctoral training in metabolic engineering at the University of North Texas.