Vignettes of the Profession of Clinical Laboratory Science īy Barbara Thornton, CLS(NCA), MT(ASCP), M.Ed. These examples are only a small sample of the many clinical and other applications of molecular testing methods. Identity testing: Molecular diagnostic tests are used in determining the identity of combat casualties, in analyzing crime scene evidence, in determining paternity, and identifying foreign DNA in transplantation medicine.Molecular testing can be used to individualize a specific dosing schedule for patients on a common blood thinner, warfarin, and thereby reduce the likelihood of overmedication and potential bleeding problems. Cancer: Some leukemias and solid tumor cancers can be detected and identified by molecular probes which target the abnormal gene rearrangements occurring in these disorders.Infectious diseases: Many diseases – including hepatitis, tuberculosis, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), human papilloma virus (HPV), Chlamydia, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) – can be identified faster and more accurately using molecular techniques as compared to traditional culture or antibody assays.Genetic disorders: Molecular methods are used to detect common inherited diseases such as cystic fibrosis, hemochromatosis, and fragile X syndrome.Molecular diagnostic tests are increasingly used in many major areas of medicine including genetic disorders, infectious diseases, cancer, pharmacogenetics and identity testing. A variety of biological materials can be used for molecular testing including fetal cells from amniotic fluid, dried blood spots from newborn screening programs, blood samples, buccal (mouth) swabs, bone, and hair follicles. ![]() Molecular methods are also used in both forensic and non-forensic identification. Common applications of molecular methods include medical diagnosis, establishing prognosis, monitoring the course of disease, and selecting optimal therapies. Molecular Diagnostic Science is a specialized area of Clinical Laboratory Science that uses sensitive and specific techniques to detect and identify biomarkers at the most basic level: that of nucleic acids (DNA and RNA). ![]()
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