Molecular Pathology in Infection Sciences

Module details

Title

Molecular Pathology in Infection Sciences

Type

Rotation

Module code

SLS202

Credits

10

Requirement

Compulsory

Aim of this module

This module will provide the trainee with the knowledge and understanding of the molecular pathology of infection. In the work-based module they will be expected to apply this knowledge as they learn to perform molecular methods used in microbiology and gain experience of the interpretation of patient results in a variety of clinical settings.

Competencies

#	Learning outcome	Competency	Action
# 1	Learning outcome 1,2	Competency Interpret request forms and recommend the most appropriate investigation strategy to investigate molecular pathology samples.	Action View
# 2	Learning outcome 1,4	Competency Receive, process and store common molecular pathology specimens.	Action View
# 3	Learning outcome 2,3	Competency Perform and critically evaluate the results from a range of molecular assays used to detect and genotype micro-organisms, including: nucleic acid extraction polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and RT-PCR the range of quantitative assays used in your laboratory.	Action View
# 4	Learning outcome 2,3	Competency Use manual, semi-automated and automated equipment deployed in the molecular pathology laboratory.	Action View
# 5	Learning outcome 3,4	Competency Conform to requirements for internal quality control (IQC) and external quality assessment (EQA) for molecular diagnostic testing.	Action View
# 6	Learning outcome 4	Competency Use laboratory and hospital information systems to identify and record patient demographics, clinical details and relevant laboratory results.	Action View
# 7	Learning outcome 4,5	Competency Produce basic interpretative reports on common molecular pathology investigations.	Action View
# 8	Learning outcome 1,2	Competency Control infection risks in accordance with departmental protocols.	Action View
# 9	Learning outcome 1,2	Competency Minimise risks and hazards in compliance with health and safety policies.	Action View

Assessments

You must complete:

• 1 case-based discussion(s)
• 1 of the following DOPS/ OCEs:

Receive a range of clinical samples, book them in to the appropriate IT system and select the appropriate investigations that are required	DOPS
Perform a nucleic acid extraction on a range of specimen types	DOPS
Perform and interpret a nucleic acid amplification test	DOPS
Perform and interpret nucleic acid sequencing	DOPS
Use laboratory IT systems for handling, processing and storage of patient data	DOPS
Perform and critically evaluate the results from a range of molecular assays used to detect, and genotype microoranisms. Evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of the assay	DOPS
An appropriate activity agreed with your Training Officer	OCE

Learning outcomes

1. Interpret routine requests for molecular pathology investigations in microbiology in the correct clinical context and process the specimens that accompany those requests.
2. Perform the range of basic laboratory techniques used in the workplace to investigate the molecular pathology of microbial infection.
3. Apply the principles of internal quality control and external quality assessment and draw conclusions about assay performance.
4. Use laboratory IT systems for handling, processing and storage of patient data and laboratory results. To include an introduction to bioinformatics.
5. Produce a basic interpretive report on molecular laboratory results in the context of infection.

Learning outcomes

1. Explain the molecular pathology of important microbial infections.
2. Describe the design, operation and performance of a range of molecular investigations used in the detection and management of microbial infections.
3. Discuss and evaluate the role of molecular technology in the provision of information for management and treatment of microbial infections.
4. Describe and apply relevant health and safety issues associated with the molecular investigation of microbial infections.
5. Discuss and evaluate the appropriate quality management systems.
6. Discuss the partnership between the clinical microbiology laboratory and other clinical specialisms in the investigation of the molecular pathology of infection and patient care.

Indicative content

• Cell biology, meiosis and mitosis, chromosome segregation
• Chromosome structure and function
• Mechanisms of origin of numerical and structural abnormalities, and behaviour of structural chromosome anomalies at meiosis
• Nucleic acid structure and function, chemical structure of DNA, and replication, transcription and translation
• Genome structure in microorganisms
• Interaction between cells and molecular components of microorganisms
• Scientific basis of molecular testing in infectious disease
• Molecular science methodology in the investigation of infectious disease, with examples:
  • DNA extraction, PCR, DNA sequencing, blotting
  • RNA extraction, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)
  • Application of DNA-based testing for gene mapping, linkage and mutation detection
  • Sensitivity and specificity of molecular scientific tests
  • Proteomics
  • Next generation sequencing/whole genome sequencing
  • Potential application of new molecular tests and molecular epidemiology
• Management of molecular science data, including basic bioinformatics

Activities

• Investigate and report on of the clinical situations in which molecular investigations are performed.
• Investigate, discuss and report on recent developments in molecular testing and how these may improve the scope and/or quality of investigation of micro-organisms in your laboratory, including the impact on these potential improvements on the care of the public and patients.
• Prepare a portfolio of significant clinical cases reported in your presence and be able to list clinical outcomes and the main learning points that impact on service delivery, patient/public care and your own practice.
• Critically appraise the internal quality control and external quality assessment of two molecular diagnostic methods and draw conclusions about method performance and quality.
• Observe, discuss and report on the clinical and laboratory investigation of the molecular pathology of important microbial infections.
• Review and report on the partnership between the clinical microbiology laboratory and other clinical specialisms in the investigation of the molecular pathology of infection and the importance of this partnership for service delivery and for patient/public experience and care.