Real-time polymerase chain reaction

qPCR — CORE-ABR molecular panel

Laboratory-developed method

Developed and validated in house by Clinicore. Reviewed and approved by the Medical Director before use in patient testing.

Results from a laboratory-developed method are method-specific and are not directly comparable with another laboratory’s. That is the point of it — where a cleared assay answers the question adequately, Clinicore uses one.

How it works

Organisms are detected and quantified; resistance genes are reported qualitatively as detected or not detected. Reports are generated by CORE-ABR, which applies organism-aware antibiotic ranking incorporating intrinsic biology, detected resistance genes, and site-specific rules.

Five amplification curves from samples containing progressively less target DNA. Fluorescence rises as each cycle doubles the amplified product. The cycle at which a curve crosses the detection threshold is its Ct value. A sample containing more target crosses earlier and has a lower Ct; roughly 3.3 cycles separate each tenfold change in starting material. — Reading a Ct value.

TaqMan probe chemistry — why the signal is specific to the intended sequence.

Reporting

Reported through CORE-ABR

PACT — Pathogen Assessment & Clinical Treatment

Molecular results do not leave this laboratory as a list of organisms and genes. Every specimen on this platform is reported through CORE-ABR, which quantifies each organism detected, maps every detected resistance gene to the agents it removes, encodes intrinsic resistance per organism, and marks agents that do not apply to the specimen site rather than listing them. Targets tested and not detected are reported alongside those that were.

Assessment and therapy Organisms quantified, with scenario-based first-line and alternative agents and a stated duration. Written for primary care, nurse practitioners and urgent care
Full antibiogram Every agent graded for activity, each grade carrying its basis — intrinsic biology, a detected gene, or the specimen site. Written for wound care, infectious disease and podiatry
Molecular detail Every target on the panel, including those tested and not detected, under the laboratory's CLIA number and Director. Written to be the record

The antibiogram is derived from the organisms and resistance genes detected, the intrinsic biology of those organisms, and the specimen site. It is not phenotypic susceptibility testing: a detected gene predicts resistance, but the absence of a detected gene does not establish susceptibility.

Laboratory-developed method

How it works

Panels on this platform