Molecular Diagnostics Part 1: Technical Backgrounds and Quality Aspects

The books Molecular Diagnostics Part 1 and 2 provide a comprehensive and practical overview of the state-of-the-art molecular biological diagnostic strategies that are being used in a wide variety of disciplines.

The editors and experts in their respective fields have combined their knowledge to write these two books. Many years of experience in the development, application and quality control of molecular diagnostic methods is reflected herewith.

Molecular Diagnostics Part 1 is dedicated to the theoretical backgrounds of the technologies often applied in molecular diagnostics, in which nucleic acid amplification methods (such as real-time PCR), sequencing and bioinformatics are the basic tools. The assay design and -development, combined with items of trouble-shooting are described in detail. As a foundation of reliable molecular diagnostic assays, the quality control required for validation, implementation and performance of molecular diagnostic assays is thoroughly discussed. This book also provides extensive information for those working with molecular techniques in a wide variety of research applications using conventional and real-time PCR technology, Sanger and high throughput sequencing techniques, and bioinformatics.

Molecular Diagnostics Part 2 highlights the applications of the molecular diagnostic methods in the various diagnostic laboratories, comprising:

Both full-colour and well-illustrated books are particularly valuable for students, clinicians, scientists and other professionals who are interested in (designing) molecular diagnostic methods and for those who wish to broaden their knowledge on the current molecular biological revolution. The information in the books highlights the trend of the integration of multiple (clinical) disciplines into one universal molecular laboratory. 

The importance of nucleic acids in diagnostics.- Background and analysis of nucleic acids.- Primers and probes.- Basic principles of nucleic acid hybridisation.- Principles of PCR.- Quality assurance, management and control in molecular diagnostics.- Quantitative isothermal molecular amplification techniques.- DNA sequencing.- Bioinformatics.- The ongoing revolution of MALDI TOF Mass Spectrometry for Molecular Diagnostics.- Information in the amplification curve.

E. van Pelt-Verkuil
Elizabeth van Pelt-Verkuil, born in Rotterdam, The Netherlands has been involved in the development of new techniques in both molecular - and cell biology for more than 40 years. From the first PCRs in 1985 up to now, Elizabeth participated in its development and the applicability in molecular diagnostics. First in pathology, later combined with microbiology. In the meantime her focus changed from research to diagnostics. After graduation in cell biology and biochemistry at University Leiden in 1975, Elizabeth got her PhD on (experimental) developmental biology in 1979, followed by a post-doc position on experimental arteriosclerosis. From 1982 onward, she was a lecturer and applied scientist at the University of Applied Science Leiden for both graduate and post-graduate education in i.e. molecular diagnostics. Elizabeth organised her first theoretical and practical course on PCR and in situ hybridisation for post-graduates in 1987.
Elizabeth was founder of the Centre of Bioscience and Diagnostics in 2001; a department of the before mentioned institute, specialised in post-graduate education. Elizabeth organised and participated in many courses and in-company-trainings on PCR and molecular diagnostics.
During a 5 -year period from 2011 onwards at the Professorship Innovative Molecular Diagnostics at the University of Applied Science Leiden, Elizabeth focused on the implementation and embedding of new laboratory developed qPCR tests for the detection and identification of viral pathogens, including all aspects of quality control. Since 2016 Elizabeth is owner of and consultant at “Quality and Innovations in Molecular Diagnostics”, a company which is specialised in implementation, quality control and education in the field of molecular diagnostics.
Elizabeth van Pelt-Verkuil is a member of the Dutch Society of Medical Microbiology (NVMM) and participates in the Study group of Molecular Diagnostics of Infectious Diseases (WMDI).

Elizabeth van Pelt-Verkuil is editor/author of 2 Dutch books on Molecular Diagnostics and a textbook on PCR.

E. van Pelt-Verkuil et.al. Moleculaire Diagnostiek (editors/author) (1e Ed; in Dutch) 2001. Bohn Stavleu van Loghum; ISBN9-789031331031
E. van Pelt-Verkuil et.al. (author) Principles and technical aspects of PCR amplification (2008). Springer ISBN 9 781402062407
E. van Pelt-Verkuil and W.B. van Leeuwen, Moleculaire Diagnostiek (editors/author) (2nd Ed; in Dutch) 2013. Syntax media; ISBN 9789077423950

W.B. van Leeuwen
Willem van Leeuwen was born  in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. He studied Microbiology on the University of Applied Science in Rotterdam (BSc in 1975) and specialized in Medical Biology on the University of Applied Science in Etten-Leur, The Netherlands (MSc in 1982). In 2002 he wrote his thesis “Binary typing of Staphylococcus aureus” and became a specialist in Medical Molecular Microbiology at the Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, department of Medical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases. The population structure analysis and host-pathogen interaction of Staphylococcus aureus were the subjects of study during the post-doctoral phase in this department. From august 2002 through 2007 he is responsible for the unit Molecular Diagnostics (validation and implementation of new diagnostic platforms). In February 2007 he was invited to become professor Innovative Molecular Diagnostics at the University of Applied Science of Leiden, the Netherlands and became manager of the research center, “Toplab” in Leiden. In September 2013, he was appointed as professor at the University of Applied Science Leiden. Since september 2017 he became senior professor of the Leiden Centre for Applied Bioscience at the University of Applied Science Leiden.

Willem is editor/author of multiple books in the field of Molecular Diagnostics:

1. E. van Pelt-Verkuil and W.B. van Leeuwen (editors/author). Moleculaire Diagnostiek. (2nd Ed; in Dutch) 2003. Syntax media; ISBN 9789077423950
2. W.B. van Leeuwen and C. Vink (editors/author). Molecular Diagnostics: techniques and applications. IVA publishers, 2009.
3. John P. Hays and W.B. v