On September 2026, specialized training was held at the National Reference Center for Veterinary Medicine (NRCV) in Astana for the staff of the Molecular Biology Department of the Laboratory for Diagnosis of Infectious Diseases. The training focused on the use of diagnostic PCR test systems manufactured by VET FACTOR LLC, designed for the detection of pathogens causing particularly dangerous infectious animal diseases using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
The training was conducted on-site by a specialist from the manufacturer, allowing participants to combine theoretical instruction with hands-on practice using the equipment operated in the laboratory.
The training covered the basic principles of PCR diagnostics, requirements for the pre-analytical stage, specific aspects of nucleic acid extraction and real-time PCR setup, as well as practical aspects of using VET FACTOR diagnostic test systems.
Particular attention was paid to the analysis and interpretation of PCR results, including the use of positive and negative controls, evaluation of cycle threshold (Ct) values, specific features of result analysis on different real-time PCR instruments, and possible causes of invalid or inconclusive results.
The practical part of the training included hands-on work with diagnostic test systems and the review of laboratory cases, enabling the specialists to consolidate their knowledge and further improve their practical skills in performing PCR testing.
The knowledge and skills acquired during the training will be applied in the future work of the Molecular Biology Department and will contribute to improving the quality and reliability of molecular biological testing conducted as part of the diagnosis and monitoring of particularly dangerous infectious animal diseases.
Upon completion of the training, the specialists were awarded certificates.