Direct PCR as an alternative platform to conventional PCR

Viral RNA detection through RT-PCR is WHO’s recommended confirmatory test for SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, many countries faced challenges in ramping up RT-PCR testing capacity, such as shortage of swab sticks, transport media, RNA extraction reagents and costly platform equipment. The testing demands have led to the development of alternative PCR protocols with similar sensitivities to relieve the testing load. In this webinar, we discuss how using direct PCR test can manage COVID-19 testing demands.

Chair and Moderator:

Dr Benedict Yan - Pathologist and Director of Molecular Diagnostics Centre, National University Health Systems, Singapore

Speakers and Panelists:

• Dr Kristine Alvarado-Dela Cruz Pediatrics, Infectious Diseases, Head of Microbiology, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Philippines
• Dr Eric Vail - Director, Molecular Pathology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Centre, United States
• Dr Wong Mun Yew - Chief Executive Officer & Founder, Asia Genomics, Singapore
• Dr Joseph Yao - Associate Professor, Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, United States

ASEAN Dx Initiative Co-chairs

1. Dr Sidney Yee - Chief Executive Officer, Diagnostics Development Hub, Singapore
2. Dr Jaime Montoya - Executive Director, Philippines Council for Health Research and Development, Philippines

This webinar is organised by ASEAN Dx Initiative, supported by ASEAN NDI, Diagnostics Development Hub (DxD Hub), National University Health System, and A*StartCentral.

About ASEAN Dx Initiative

The ASEAN Diagnostics (Dx) Initiative is co-chaired by Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) and Singapore's Diagnostics Development Hub (DxD Hub) with the mandate to build diagnostic capacity among ASEAN member countries.

For more information – please visit https://aseandx.com/