Novel molecular technologies, such as real-time quantitative PCR and high-throughput sequencing, are rapidly transforming clinical laboratory medicine with same day diagnostics now available for many pathogens. While translating next-generation sequencing into the clinical diagnostic setting is challenging, it is already showing promise with detection of drug-resistant mutations and is well positioned to progress.
In addition to technology advances, the demand for molecular diagnostic tests continues to grow in the infectious disease arena, fueled by the increasing need for hospitals to track and control the spread of infectious diseases, such as (MRSA), group B streptococcus (GBS), Clostridium difficile, and vancomycin-resistant enterococcus (VRE). C. difficile, a spore-forming bacterium, is now challenging MRSA as the most prevalent Healthcare Associated Infection (HAI) in the United States. This conference will include case studies and feedback from clinical labs and research teams as to what is currently available and in current research, the pros and cons, and what we can expect in the future in terms of novel technologies and approaches.
The infectious disease point-of-care (POC) testing market has also seen tremendous growth in the past year fueled largely by the H1N1 flu pandemic, while rapid HIV POC testing is the focus of many companies. Growth in this market is expected to continue. Near patient tests based on molecular diagnostic methods offer significant advantages over current rapid immunoassays or reference laboratory-based molecular methods. Advances in microfluidic technologies for DNA/RNA detection permit complex tests to be performed affordably in near patient settings and will be featured at this conference.
Topics to be covered:
Novel technologies/novel diagnostics under development for POC and infectious diseases
Rapid viral testing including HIV, HCV and HPV
Developments with Infectious vector borne diseases
Updates on molecular screening for Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhea (NG)
Case studies from clinical labs – what is currently available, pros and cons, future development
Multiplex assays and platforms being developed for infectious diagnostics
Novel approaches to drug-resistant mutations and novel pathogens
Lessons learned from the H1N1 flu pandemic – How can we apply to any future events
Molecular detection C. difficile and MRSA
FDA, regulatory updates and reimbursement discussions
Translating Next-Generation Sequencing into the Clinical Diagnostic Arena
Alliance strategies and deal making activities in the molecular diagnostics arena
Microfluidic technologies for DNA/RNA detection
If you would like to submit a proposal to give a podium presentation or display a poster at this meeting, please click here to submit a title and brief 3-5 sentence summary of a proposed topic on your recent work in the area of point-of-care diagnostics.
The deadline for submission is March 2, 2010.
All proposals are subject to review by the Scientific Advisory Committee to ensure the overall quality of the conference program.
For more information, please contact:
Edel O’Regan
Vice President, Production
Cambridge Healthtech Institute
Phone: 781-972-5423
Email: eoregan@healthtech.com
For information on sponsorships and exhibits, please contact:
Arnie Wolfson
Manager, Business Development
Cambridge Healthtech Institute
Phone: 781-972-5431
Email: awolfson@healthtech.com