Connect Sign InInfectious Disease Laboratory Testing: Molecular Is Not Always the Answer
Molecular assays have revolutionized modern laboratory infectious disease testing, but for a distinct number of diseases, serology remains the gold standard. This presentation will review some common infectious diseases that are increasing in prevalence, such as syphilis and Lyme Disease (LD). These are two examples where not only is serology the mainstay of testing, but screening and diagnosis are further complicated by dual testing algorithms for each one of these two infections. Understanding appropriate test sequence and result interpretation is paramount to effective patient management.
Dr. Patricia R. Slev is the medical director of the Immunology Core Laboratory and the section chief of immunology. She is also a professor of clinical pathology at the University of Utah School of Medicine. Dr. Slev received her doctorate degree in immunology and laboratory medicine from the University of Florida. She then completed a biology fellowship and a clinical chemistry fellowship at the University of Utah. Dr. Slev is board certified. She is the recipient of several awards, including the Outstanding Teaching Award, first place for Fellow Research Presentation, and the Paul E. Stranjord Young Investigator award. Her research interests include HIV and viral hepatitis.
