Molecular Diagnosis Centre

The Molecular Diagnosis Centre (MDC), a division of the Department of Laboratory Medicine, provides a molecular testing service, which applies recombinant DNA procedures to identify molecular changes associated with acquired infectious diseases, neoplasia, and heritable diseases.

We offer some 50 tests under the three general categories. The tests represent a wide range of DNA- or RNA-based investigations using validated protocols, which are established in-house or available commercially as kits. Test performance is strictly monitored by various internal control checks and inter-laboratory exchange sample checks set up through the Association of Molecular Pathology and other testing agencies. Most tests are run on a weekly basis except for some acute infectious diseases, which are run on alternate days. Laboratory results, except for those with interpretative reports, are available online through the query terminals in the hospital. Interpretation of results and appropriate genetic counseling (in the case of genetic disorders) are provided by the MDC consultants.

The specificity of many DNA tests allow presymptomatic or prenatal diagnosis to be made or carrier status to be identified (e.g. thalassaemia, apoE genotypes). The information used by the patient to make personal decision about lifestyle and reproductive choices can thus have a profound effect on society. Such results should be issued with the appropriate counseling by a clinical geneticist or genetic counsellor. The total care concept is the tenet of the MDC operations.

The MDC staff and the multiple MDC collaborators from the National University of Singapore (NUS) departments continue to maintain an active programme for development of tests as well as basic and applied molecular research. These efforts will culminate in an expansion of the tests available to medical staff for diagnostic purposes.

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