What is Medical Diagnostics?
Molecular diagnostics or molecular pathology as it is sometimes referred to, is the combination of laboratory testing techniques and applications with the precision of molecular biology. It generally involves RNA or DNA and sequencing them for potential genetic indicators of disease. Types of molecular diagnostic tests include genetic and biomarker testing (sometimes used interchangeably), and what pharmaceutical companies refer to as companion tests (a diagnostic protocol used in conjunction with a drug).
What Types of Molecular Diagnostic Equipment Are There?
There are a variety of different types of devices that can be used in the molecular lab. These include, but are not limited to recombinant DNA devices, Next-generation sequencing (NGS) and library construction, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) instruments such as DNA thermal cyclers, and Enzyme-Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay (ELISA) kits.
What Methods to Choose?
The extraction of DNA and RNA is generally standardized, however the choice of which analytical method or methods one should follow can depend on matters such as clinical requirements and how quickly accurate results are needed.