Virus Detection and Culture - cell sources, cell types and their management; quality control in cell culture and the significance of virus isolation; detection of viruses by CPE, HA'd, HAI and interference; use of 'early-antigen' detection methods; antigen detection methods (EM, EIAs and immunoblots); quality control of antigen detection methods; in situ and in vitro methods (PCR, NASBA, LCR etc.); QC for molecular techniques, and comparisons with "traditional" methods; complications of persistent and latent viral infections; evaluation of methods, test selection and screening applications; developing molecular tests for research and diagnostic purposes; safety implications, and the regulation of gene and molecular technologies.
Principles of Serology - "traditional" methods (CFT, HAI, Neutralisation); current methods (EIAs & related methods, immunoblots); quality control in serology; diagnosis, screening and applications to blood transfusion; automated methods (practical applications, speed, sensitivity, specificity, cost); commercial development of assays.

Back