We seem to be having a run of medical problems again, so I thought
that this was an opportune time to re-post the Charter of this
newsgroup. I will try to do this every month or so from now on.
Newsgroup Charter:
The DIAGNOSTICS newsgroup (bionet.diagnostics) is a forum for
discussion of problems and techniques (primarily serological or
nucleic acid-based) involved in all fields of diagnostics. Subjects
for discussion and comment include methodology, automation, quality
assurance and other subjects of interest and concern to those
developing and/or using diagnostic tests.
Justification
Despite the large number of scientists involved in diagnostics, there
is no newsgroup devoted to this subject. The prototype DIAGNOSTICS
newsgroup was set up to fill this gap and has gained enough support to
justify a vote for full newsgroup status. The prototype newsgroup has
included postings on the detection and identification of diseases,
pathogens (animal and plant) and also diagnostic functions which do
not fit into either category. This composition has helped to
establish common ground (and therefore intellectual and methodological
cross-fertilization) between people and laboratories. For example,
the problems facing scientists developing PCR assays for Listeria are
similar to those facing scientists developing PCR assays for bacterial
soft rots in plants.
Within the various disciplines there are common problems regarding
methods, immunogens, cross-reactivity, automation, materials, quality
assurance and other issues that are not recognized by those using
similar techniques for other purposes.
The DIAGNOSTICS newsgroup will address and help solve these problems
by providing a forum for their discussion between individuals of
various experience and disciplines.
Dr Kevin O'Donnell "Nature is not cruel, only
Diagnostics and Molecular Biology pitilessly indifferent."
SASA - Richard Dawkins
Edinburgh
