In the rapidly expanding landscape of molecular diagnostics, the focus is shifting from top to bottom, with a redirection from post-pandemic respiratory testing to developments in gastrointestinal (GI) diagnostics. This presentation delves into the journey of building a molecular GI test from the ground up and enhancing the laboratory's test menu with focused panels. Through a personal case study, attendees will gain insights into the decision-making process, strategic considerations, and collaborative efforts that have propelled one lab to its current standing.

Demonstrating the important relationship between laboratory and industry expertise, this presentation showcases how the collaboration with Thermo Fisher Scientific’s Validation and Sample Preparation teams provided a custom research solution for a GI molecular test. Outlining the rationale behind creating focused panels, this presentation emphasizes the necessity for optimized workflows, pathogen relevance and anticipation of population needs.  From sample preparation to panel launch, this presentation traverses the sample prep journey and elaborates on the thought process behind choosing Thermo Fisher's GI OpenArray real-time PCR workflow solution.

Learning Objectives

• Understand key considerations when selecting a new panel 
• Discover the significance of collaborative partnerships between client and industry
• Describe use cases for syndromic and focused panels in GI testing