Introduction to Molecular Diagnostics

 

The Introduction to Molecular Diagnostics lecture is designed to provide a broad background in the study of human genome structure and function, and how this knowledge is applied to clinical testing. This lecture will cover basic molecular biology concepts as well as genomic alterations that serve as molecular biomarkers in cancer. The foundations of major molecular techniques commonly performed in clinical laboratories, including karyotype testing, fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), chromosomal microarray, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based assays will be presented, and specimen requirements, advantages, and limitations of each technique will be discussed.

Originally published on May 2, 2023

Lecture Presenter

Parisa Khalili, MD

Parisa Khalili, MD

Assistant Professor of Pathology
University of Utah School of Medicine
Medical Director, Molecular Oncology
ARUP Laboratories

Dr. Parisa Khalili is a medical director of molecular oncology at ARUP Laboratories and an assistant professor at the University of Utah School of Medicine. She received a master’s degree from McGill University and a medical degree from Tehran University of Medical Sciences. She then completed an anatomic residency and molecular genetic pathology fellowship at the University of New Mexico. Dr. Khalili is board certified in anatomic and clinical pathology and molecular genetic pathology. Her research interests include genomic diagnostics in solid tumors.

Objectives

After this presentation, participants will be able to:

  • Describe basic elements of the human genome, and their structure and function
  • List specimen requirements, advantages, and limitations of major molecular diagnostics techniques
  • Select the appropriate technique for various biomarker detection

Sponsored by:

University of Utah School of Medicine, Department of Pathology, and ARUP Laboratories