Only at UCSF: the next generation of diagnostic tests.
The UCSF Clinical Microbiology Laboratory offers validated DNA/RNA tests for diagnosis of meningitis/encephalitis from cerebrospinal fluid and DNA tests for sepsis and/or disseminated infection from plasma in our CLIA-certified laboratory. Results are interpreted by laboratory physicians, and consultation services are available upon request.
The UCSF Department of Laboratory Medicine oversees the Clinical Laboratories, which offer advanced testing methods to institutional clients. See our lab manual for additional information and services.
Clinical Test Performance
The validation of the mNGS test involved rigorous studies to assess performance metrics, including limits of detection, sensitivity, specificity, precision, interference, matrix effect, stability, and clinical accuracy.
The mNGS CSF and plasma tests were evaluated in comparison with conventional clinical microbiology testing (culture, antigen, serology, and PCR), and using an orthogonal method for confirmatory discrepancy testing. The mNGS test for pathogen detection from CSF was found to have a sensitivity of 86.1% and specificity of 97.9%. The mNGS test for pathogen detection from plasma was found to have a sensitivity of 77% and specificity of 86%.
Clinical Microbiology Lab
Steve Miller, MD, PhD
Director, UCSF Clinical Microbiology Lab
Associate Professor, Laboratory Medicine
Co-Director, Viral Diagnostics & Discovery Center
Miller oversees the development and validation of unbiased metagenomic sequencing for pan-pathogen detection at UCSF. His research interests include the use of molecular methods to diagnose and monitor immunocompromised and transplant patients. His work has established the UCSF Clinical Microbiology Laboratory as a leader in the field of precision diagnostics of infectious diseases.
Charles Chiu, MD, PhD
Assistant Director, UCSF Clinical Microbiology Lab
Professor, Laboratory Medicine
Director, Viral Diagnostics & Discovery Center
Chiu’s development of the bioinformatics pipeline SURPI+ led to the rapid analysis of metagenomic data for diagnosing infectious disease. He oversees the validation and implementation of mNGS in the clinical lab. His research interests include emerging viral pathogens and new methods to apply bioinformatics and cutting-edge genomic technologies for clinical and public health applications.
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