Medical Advancement through Molecular Diagnostics

Scientists have always sought out new ways to advance the study of human genetics and its application in diagnostic medicine. Until the use of molecular diagnostics, laboratory testing would consist of time consuming and potentially inaccurate methods. The use of molecular diagnostics in lieu of conventional laboratory diagnostic techniques allows for ethical and accurate diagnostic testing capabilities that aren’t seen in commercial or big-name labs.

Molecular testing has a variety of applications. This has allowed for it to be implemented throughout various disciplines of medicine, including laboratory testing. Molecular diagnostic testing has increased the validity and accuracy of test results, while reducing the time needed to provide reports to physicians. The use of DNA and RNA sequencing for diagnostic purposes can tailor a physicians treatment plan for each patient based on the genetic profile of their ailment.

Our ability to provide physicians with diagnostic reports containing accurate results comes from the use of genetic sequencing practices. Since we are able to identify a variety of nucleotide polymorphisms and genetic hybridizations, we are able to quantify pathogens responsible for multiple medical conditions.

Molecular diagnostic techniques are becoming a part of medical advancement and the reliable source of diagnostic testing. Not only is it important to identify pathologies accurately, but it is incredibly important to provide results quickly so the physician can treat the patients in an efficient manner. Some clinical areas that molecular diagnostic practices can improve are:

Infectious Diseases

Oncology

Prenatal Screening

Women’s Health

Molecular Testing for Infectious Disease and Women’s Health

Traditional methods of culture testing are showing to be more and more ineffective for diagnostic practices. This is because of the accuracy and time consuming nature of testing for pathogens within a sample. However, molecular genetics is being used as an alternative for pathogen detection in testing for infectious diseases.

Molecular genetics is used to detect specific phenotypes of microbes that are indicative of pathogen presence. For example, through genetic isolation and analysis, it is possible to identify protein structures along with DNA, and RNA sequences that code for specific pathogens. This enhances the accuracy of detecting the root cause of infectious diseases.

Typically, blood screening is used to test for infectious diseases. This relies on serological techniques and seroconversion. This practice produces antigens that can initiate an immune response. Not only is this practice time consuming, but it may not be as accurate as molecular genetic testing.

The use of real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is the solution to the issues previously associated with conventional methods of pathogen testing. PCR breaks down DNA to fragmental components so that it can duplicate and amplify the genetic material present. This is critical for diagnosing and identifying infectious diseases. We are able to isolate the genetic material of viruses, and generate millions of copies to demonstrate the presence of such viral infections. Thus, we PCR allows laboratory technicians to identify microorganisms on the molecular level, which is highly accurate. This also allows us to detect the presence of microorganisms before their growth and before the result in symptoms.

One area of molecular diagnostic practices is seen in the advancement of women’s health. Using genetic analysis, physicians can not only diagnose difficult pathologies, but they can also provide early warning signs from the samples that have been taken.

UltimateDX’s laboratory uses molecular diagnostics to help the treatment women’s health conditions including:

HPV screening

Sexually Transmitted Infections

Prenatal genetics

Vaginitis

Liquid-Based PAP screening