Training for stool-based qPCR diagnostics for soil-transmitted helminths developed by London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research

LCNTDR has developed and filmed a virtual training course including all components of qPCR soil-transmitted helminths diagnostics. The training is presented in a series of videos covering stool-based DNA extractions, pre-PCR and qPCR preparation, primer and probe resuspension for qPCR assays, qPCR software set-up (with a demo on a StepOne Plus instrument), and demo of a Python script for combining qPCR data; all demonstrated with explanatory instructions and detailed voice over by Marina Papaiakovou. Marina is an expert in qPCR diagnostics and member of WHO’s Diagnostics Technical Advisory Group (DTAG) for Manufacturing and Regulatory Pathways for neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). We intend for this resource to be shared freely and widely and hope teams across the globe will find it useful, not just for training purposes but also to increase understanding of the length and complexity of molecular diagnostics. The videos are not a substitution for vigilant laboratory practices and following SOPs, but function as a visual guide of laboratory steps and operations. Though the choice of reagents, equipment and commercial kits remains specific to the goals of the project (or local laboratory practices), the principles remain the same.