| Neuropathology Goals and Competencies for Molecular/Genetic Diagnostics rotation |
| The ACGME core competencies involved in each evaluation are identified with the following abbreviations: Patient Care (PC), Medical Knowledge (MK), Practice based learning and Improvement (PBL), Interpersonal & Communication Skills (ICS), Professionalism (P), System Based Practice (SBP). |
| Is familiar with the molecular diagnostics tests currently in clinical use for neurological diseases (neoplastic and non-neoplastic). Know which of these are available at OHSU and which are send-out tests. PC, MK, SBP |
| Is familiar with the current literature on the molecular pathology of CNS neoplasms, including typical genetic alterations of different glioma types and grades; evaluate reported changes for potential clinical usefulness (understand why or why not certain changes might be diagnostically useful). MK, SBP, PBL |
| Understands the therapeutic implications associated with particular genetic alterations in some subtypes of gliomas. MK, PC |
| Is familiar with the molecular pathology and genetics of specific primary muscle diseases, mitochondrial diseases, and degenerative diseases of the nervous system for which molecular/genetic diagnostic tests are in clinical use (see list below of tests performed at OHSU, others are send-out tests). PC, MK, PBL |
| Understands the clinical uses and usefulness of molecular diagnostics testing for infectious diseases of the CNS. PC, MK, PBL |
| Understands the scientific basis of molecular diagnostics/genetics tests currently in use. MK |
| Is able to interpret the raw data produced by current molecular diagnostics tests and know potential sources of error in these tests. Demonstrates understanding of issues of quality control, quality improvement, risk, cost-effectiveness, and laboratory management as they specifically relate to molecular pathology and cytogenetics. MK, SBP, ICS, PBL |
| Is able to communicate effectively with laboratory staff regarding clinicopathologic correlates. MK, ICS, P |
| Is competent to consult with clinical staff on proper utilization and interpretation of molecular diagnostic tests and cytogenetics methods. MK, ICS, P |
| Is able to present and interpret molecular diagnostics data and the clinical use of this data to the neuropathology division staff., MK, ICS, P, SBP |
| Documentation: 1) The fellow should accumulate a portfolio that demonstrates competency in the above objectives. 2) The fellow will give a presentation to the neuropathology staff at the end of the rotation on the applications of molecular diagnostics to the practice of neuropathology. |
| DNA Diagnostic Lab Test | Diagnostic Methods | Annual # of Tests |
| Bcr/Abl | Quantitative real-time RT-PCR | 543 |
| CMV | Quantitative real-time PCR | 1196 |
| Muscular Dystrophy | PCR/Southern Blot | 25 |
| Bone Marrow Engraftment | Southern Blot (VNTR) | 139 |
| Factor V Leiden | Real-time PCR / FRET | 852 |
| Fragile X | Southern Blot/PCR | 322 |
| Friedreich ataxia | PCR | 16 |
| Hemochromatosis | Real-time PCR / FRET | 627 |
| HCV Qualitative | RT-PCR-ELISA | 317 |
| HCV Genotype | RT/PCR/LIPA | 251 |
| HCV Quantitative | RT-PCR-ELISA | 474 |
| HIV viral load | RT-PCR-ELISA | 993 |
| HIV ultra viral load | RT-PCR-ELISA | 237 |
| Huntington Disease | PCR/PAGE/blotting | 45 |
| Mitochondrial deletion | Southern Blot | 7 |
| MELAS | PCR/PAGE | 18 |
| MERRF | PCR/PAGE | 12 |
| NARP | PCR/PAGE | 10 |
| MTHFR C677T | PCR/RFLP | 45 |
| Myotonic Dystrophy | Southern Blot/PCR | 34 |
| Parentage | Southern Blot (VNTR) | 220 |
| Prader-Willi Angelman | Southern Blot | 25 |
| Prothrombin G20210A | Real-time PCR / FRET | 634 |
| SCA1 | PCR/PAGE/blotting | 7 |
| SCA3 | PCR/PAGE/blotting | 7 |
| SMA | PCR/RFLP | 24 |