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  • Essay / The polymerase chain reaction in the decentralized diagnosis of infectious diseases

    The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is often considered the “gold standard” for molecular diagnosis. It is a specific, sensitive and powerful tool that amplifies a tiny sample of genetic material, in the form of DNA or RNA, in a short time. It mimics DNA synthesis in vitro. The sensitivity of PCR allows detection of disease even in the smallest signals. Its specificity makes it possible to determine the exact location of a change in the DNA sequence. PCR can be used in laboratories for multiple applications. Some examples include forensic DNA fingerprinting, genetic testing, and diagnostics. In just a few hours, diseases can already be detected by doctors using the PCR product. PCR is therefore considered the gold standard in molecular diagnostics. Say no to plagiarism. Get a Tailored Essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get an Original EssayThere are decentralized diagnostic strategies, such as point-of-care testing, that can be obtained in minutes with accuracy of real-time, laboratory-quality diagnostic results. . POCs are easy-to-use diagnostic tests that can be performed in many locations such as a person's home, a doctor's office, ambulances, and other various locations on or near a patient , as well as on the site where the treatment is provided. The results are quick and allow the patient to receive treatment as quickly as possible and without delay. Some examples of POC tests include: home pregnancy tests, dipstick urinalysis, and glucose monitors for diabetes screening and monitoring. Decentralized diagnostics are much preferable to central laboratory diagnostics because POC can produce rapid results and, therefore, rapid treatment without causing potential harm to patient samples. Thus, decentralized diagnostics are sometimes preferable to central diagnostics. The first example of a decentralized PCR diagnostic platform is the Roche cobas Liat PCR system. This is a small, easy to use, quick 3-step system that takes up to 20 minutes, depending on the test used. It features advanced PCR technology that was previously only available to complex molecular laboratories. It can provide accurate results in just 20 minutes and little training is required to use it. The cobas Liat system can be used to detect and identify a few diseases: Influenza A, Influenza B, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and Streptococcus A. The system is highly specific and sensitive, with a sensitivity and specificity of at least 94%, also reduces the risk of false negatives and positives. Second, there is also the BioFire FilmArray Torch System. It is a multiplex PCR system consisting of multiple panels to simultaneously test more than 80 different sets of pathogens, representing one of the most pressing health challenges of our time. The panels include: a respiratory panel testing for 20 respiratory pathogens, which are primarily viruses and bacteria, a blood culture identification panel testing for 24 pathogens and 3 antibiotic resistance genes associated with bloodstream infections, a gastro- intestinal panel testing for 22 most common gastrointestinal pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, parasites and even protozoa, as well as a meningitis/encephalitis panel testing cerebrospinal fluid for the 14 most common pathogens. most relevant associated with EM. He is.