Basic Molecular Terminology

This Medical Laboratory Science lesson in Molecular Diagnostics supports laboratory science learning and laboratory interpretation for medical laboratory students and professionals.

Consolidate the essential molecular laboratory terms . DNA, RNA, target, amplification, PCR, probe, Ct/Cq, limit of detection, and controls, used in orders, methods, and reports.

Foundational8 min read15 sectionsMolecular Diagnostics
Section 1 of 150%

Learning Objectives

Getting started

Section 1 of 15

Learning Objectives

Learning Objectives

Section: Learning Objectives

Each objective is a clinical-laboratory skill, not a molecular biology research goal.

  • Define the core molecular terms used across Module 1: DNA, RNA, target, amplification, PCR, and probe
  • Explain Ct/Cq and limit of detection (LOD) at an awareness level appropriate for reading, not over-interpreting, reports
  • Use correct molecular terminology when reading orders, methods, and reports across the clinical laboratory