Diagnostic technology · reviewed
Molecular diagnostics
Expanded clinically from the 1980s–1990sMolecular diagnostics detect nucleic-acid sequences or other molecular markers relevant to disease.
From the late twentieth century, amplification, hybridization, and sequencing methods entered clinical laboratories. They can identify pathogens and genetic variants but require validated assays and careful interpretation. Instead of relying only on symptoms, microscopy, or culture, these tests examine biological signatures associated with a pathogen, inherited condition, tumor, or treatment response. Their sensitivity can be powerful, but results depend on sampling quality, contamination control, and clinical context.
Sources
- Molecular Approaches to Diagnosing and Managing Infectious Diseases — David H. Persing, 2001-04
Direct relationships
- Polymerase chain reaction→Molecular diagnosticsMade low-abundance nucleic-acid targets clinically detectable · high confidence
- Electron microscopy→Molecular diagnosticsProvided complementary structural identification in specialized diagnostics · low confidence
- Molecular diagnostics→Organ transplantationSupports compatibility assessment and infection testing · medium confidence