Molecular Diagnostics & HPV Genotyping
BSL-2 compliant molecular diagnostics with real-time PCR platforms for High-Risk HPV genotyping, GeneXpert MTB/RIF tuberculosis detection, and quantitative viral load monitoring.
Operating under strict BSL-2 molecular biocontainment with unidirectional workflow zones (reagent prep, extraction, amplification/detection). Our molecular division features real-time PCR platforms and GeneXpert automated cartridge systems, with specialized protocols for High-Risk Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Genotyping, quantitative viral load monitoring, and pathogen resistance detection. The division is a designated HPV Screening & Cervical Cancer Prevention Hub, providing critical oncogenic HPV type differentiation for early-risk triage before cervical abnormalities develop.
Cervical swab in liquid-based cytology medium for HPV; EDTA whole blood/plasma for viral loads; Sputum or sterile body fluid in sterile container for GeneXpert MTB.
Featured Instrumentation & Equipment Fleet
World-class clinical analyzers powering this division
Real-Time PCR & HPV Genotyping Platform
Molecular DiagnosticsHigh-throughput 96-well amplification with multi-channel fluorescence detection.
TaqMan probe chemistry, melting curve analysis, and internal extraction control verification.
- High-Risk HPV Genotyping: Differentiates oncogenic high-risk HPV types (including HPV 16 and HPV 18) directly linked to cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and cervical cancer
- Enables early risk assessment and proactive triage before cervical abnormalities progress
- Supports outpatient clinics, gynecological screening programs, and hospital referral networks
- Internal amplification controls on every run to verify extraction quality and prevent false negatives
GeneXpert® Automated Molecular Diagnostic System
CepheidRandom-access on-demand processing with automated hands-off extraction and PCR.
Automated microfluidic sample extraction, purification, and nested real-time PCR.
- GeneXpert MTB/RIF®: Direct identification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex and simultaneous rifampicin resistance detection in under 2 hours
- Closed biocontainment cartridge design preventing amplicon cross-contamination
- Minimal hands-on time — sample-to-result in fully automated workflow
Clinical Assay Menu & Test Panels
Complete testing capabilities available in this division
Cervical Cancer Screening & Prevention
- High-Risk HPV Genotyping Test (HPV 16, 18, and grouped high-risk oncogenic types)
- Early Risk Assessment & Clinical Triage Screening
- Reflex HPV DNA Confirmation Following Abnormal Cytology
Tuberculosis & Antimicrobial Resistance
- GeneXpert MTB/RIF® — Mycobacterium tuberculosis Detection
- Rifampicin Resistance Mutation Profiling
- Smear-Negative TB Detection from Sputum
Quantitative Viral Load Monitoring
- HIV-1 RNA Quantitative Viral Load
- Hepatitis B Virus (HBV-DNA) Quantitative Real-Time PCR
- Hepatitis C Virus (HCV-RNA) Quantitative Real-Time PCR
Respiratory & Special Pathogens
- SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR (Multiplex Targets)
- Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV 1/2) PCR
Analytical Advantages & Special Capabilities
Oncogenic HPV risk stratification: "Know your status, protect your future" early detection initiative
Strict 3-room physical separation (Reagent Master Mix Room → Extraction Room → Amplification Room) guaranteeing zero contamination
Reportable linear dynamic range for viral loads spanning 20 to 10,000,000 copies/mL
Simultaneous rifampicin resistance detection with TB identification — no additional run required
MLT/MLS Student Hands-On Training
MLT/MLS students at ECUSTA work directly in the Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory under faculty supervision — performing nucleic acid extraction procedures, preparing master mixes, loading PCR plates, interpreting amplification curves, and learning biosafety protocols for BSL-2 specimen handling. This hands-on training covers real-time PCR workflow from sample receipt to clinical result reporting.
Request Testing from This Division
Submit an inquiry for Molecular Diagnostics testing, or speak with our clinical coordinator for custom panel design and assay feasibility evaluation.