The role of cycle threshold values in infectious disease diagnostics

Results from molecular diagnostic tests are usually reported in a ‘binary’ way – as positive or negative for a pathogen target. However, this approach does not acknowledge the full benefits that these assays have to offer. In addition to reporting on pathogen detection, real-time PCR (RT-PCR) tests can provide cycle threshold (Ct) values. Ct values may provide an additional layer of information for diagnostics.

During this webinar, Dr. Anooj Shah, Medical Science Liaison, Infectious Diseases, QIAGEN, will outline the many considerations that need to be made when using Ct values as a surrogate for pathogen load in a laboratory setting. He will further discuss how Ct values can be helpful in assessing sample quality and/or potential contamination, which can be useful when complex or unexpected results are received. Finally, he will explore Ct values in the context of co-infections and how the comparison of Ct values can be used to guide patient management, and potentially as an indicator of the response to antimicrobial therapy.

Key learning objectives

• Understand what cycle threshold (Ct) values are and how they can be used in a clinical setting
• Explore the considerations when using Ct values as a surrogate for pathogen load
• Discover how Ct values can help you assess sample quality and identify possible sample contamination
• Learn about how Ct values can help guide patient management

Who should attend?

• Laboratorians, lab managers, clinical laboratorians, diagnostic laboratorians
• ICU staff, ER staff, healthcare providers (infectious diseases specialists, pulmonologists, and others)
• Antimicrobial stewardship board members
• Key purchasing drivers (CFO)

Certificate of attendance

All webinar participants can request a certificate of attendance, including a learning outcomes summary, for continuing education purposes.