Clinical Molecular Testing: Subspecialty, Entry-Level or Specialist Certification?

Alan Lennon; Peter Hu

doi:10.29074/ascls.24.4.208

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Alan Lennon, PhD, FACMG⇑
1. Clinical Cytogenetics, Pathgroup, Inc., Nashville, TN
Peter Hu, PhD, MB(ASCP)^CM, CG(ASCP)^CM
1. Molecular Genetic Technology Program, School of Health Professions, University of Texas-M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX

Address for Correspondence: Alan Lennon, PhD, FACMG, Director, Clinical Cytogenetics, Pathgroup, Inc., 658 Grassmere Park, Suite 101, Nashville, TN 37211, 615-562-9477, palennon{at}pathgroup.com

Abstract

Some clinical laboratories require workers who have basic knowledge in molecular techniques (such as fluorescent in situ hybridization and polymerase chain reaction). Exclusively molecular diagnostic laboratories need workers to be competent in a variety of cutting edge molecular technologies, such as DNA sequencing, array-based comparative genomic hybridization, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and many other techniques. Having only one certification for molecular biology at the entry level, as newly prescribed by the Board of Certification, doesn't accurately define the two very differently trained types of people these differing types of laboratories require. Creating a second molecular certification, at the specialist level, would address this issue positively.

ABBREVIATIONS: FISH-fluorescence in situ hybridization; PCR-polymerase chain reaction; aCGH-array-based comparative genomic hybridization; NCA-National Credentialling Agency; BOR-Board of Registry; BOC-Board of Certification