Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory

The concept of a Molecular diagnostic laboratory (MDL) that can offer a comprehensive diagnostic service is gaining importance in the management of health. It has still not found a place in the Government set-up, particularly in Government Medical Colleges.

Government Medical College, Kozhikode has taken the initiative in setting up an Advanced Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory and successfully implemented Phase 1 & 2 of the same. This was possible because an ICMR-DHR supported Multidisciplinary Research Unit is already functioning at Govt. Medical College Kozhikode, with the full complement of scientists and technicians with expertise in research and development in non-communicable diseases. Hence the technology behind each advanced molecular diagnostic testing can be developed in house at MRU, and transferred to MDL which enables to perform such tests in a cost effective manner.

The concept of MDL is the modernization of the diagnostic facilities in the Public sector

The objectives of the MDL are..

• To provide reliable molecular based tests at affordable rates for patients attending the public sector hospitals in Kerala

• To provide other high-end investigations not currently being done in the public sector.

• To train personnel in diagnostic molecular biology so that such facilities can be replicated elsewhere in the state

• To work in close collaboration with the Multidisciplinary Research Unit (MRU) so that research techniques developed at MRU can be translated into Clinical diagnostics.

The MDL facility of Government Medical College is managed by IMCH-HDS and it works physically in collaboration with MRU.

Following advanced diagnostic tests are available to the public now 

1. Genetic test for Hyper IgD syndrome (MVK gene analysis, Sanger sequencing method). Affected families also will be carrier screened if required.

2. Carrier test (Genetic) for Hyper IgD syndrome

3. Genetic test for X-Linked Agammaglobulinemia (XLA) [Bruton’s Agammaglobulinemia] (BTK gene analysis, Sanger sequencing method). Affected families also will be carrier screened if required.

4. Carrier test (Genetic) XLA

5. Genetic test for Hyper IgM syndrome.  (CD40L gene analysis, Sanger sequencing method). Affected families also will be carrier screened if required.

6. Carrier test (Genetic) Hyper IgM Syndrome.

7. Genetic test for Von Hippel Lindau Syndrome.  (VHL gene analysis, Sanger sequencing method). Affected families also will be carrier screened if required.

8. Genetic test for PLACK syndrome:  (CAST gene analysis, Sanger sequencing method). Affected families also will be carrier screened if required.

9. EGFR test (real time PCR based)

10. BRAF test  (real time PCR based)

11. HPV detection test (FFPE tissue/swab: real time PCR)

12. DiGeorge (FISH based) test

13. HER 2 (FISH based) test

14. Prenatal screening for 13/18/21 XY chromosome abnormalities. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) test on Amniotic fluid.

15. Prenatal screening (Karyotyping)

16. Sickle cell anemia (dried blood spot test, PCR based, specially for newborns)

17. Alpha-Thalassemia (PCR based)

18. Beta- Thalassemia (PCR based)

19. NBT test (Microscopy)

20. DHR test (Flow cytometry)

21. Tests for IgM (Nephelometry)

22. Tests for IgA (Nephelometry)

23. Tests for IgE (Nephelometry)

24. Tests for IgG (Nephelometry)

25. Lymphocyte subset analysis (Flowcytomerty): for detecting several diseases.

26. Antinuclear Antibody (ANA) test: Immuno fluorescence based test for detection of autoimmune diseases.

27. Anti-DNA test (dsDNA): Immuno fluorescence based test for detection of autoimmune diseases.

28. Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody (ANCA) test: Immuno fluorescence based test for detection of autoimmune diseases.

29. Cardiolipin antibody test: ELISA based test for detection of autoimmune diseases.

30. Phospholipid antibody test: ELISA based test for detection of autoimmune diseases.

31. Beta-2 Glycoprotein 1 antibody test: ELISA based test for detection of autoimmune diseases.

32. Anti-Desmoglein 1 test: ELISA based test for detection of autoimmune diseases.

33. Anti-Desmoglein 3 test: ELISA based test for detection of autoimmune diseases.

34. Anti-BP230 test: ELISA based test for detection of autoimmune diseases.

35. Karyotype of Amniotic fluid: prenatal test.

36. Y microdeletion test

37. Mtb detection test from FFPE tissue samples

38. Naive T cell test (Flowcytomerty)

39. Leukocyte adhesion deficiency (LAD) test(Flowcytomerty)

40. B Cell test (CD19/CD20) [Flowcytomerty]