Molecular Diagnostics

• What is one reason why molecular diagnostics is important?

  Early disease detection and diagnosis
• What is another reason for the importance of molecular diagnostics?

  Personalized medicine
• What is a third reason why molecular diagnostics is significant?

  Improved patient outcomes
• What are the key technologies in molecular diagnostics?

  • Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
  • Real-time PCR (qPCR)
  • Digital PCR
  • Next Generation Sequencing
• What is the basic process of Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)?

  It involves denaturation, annealing, and extension.
• What does Real-time PCR (qPCR) quantify?

  DNA or RNA in a sample
• How does Digital PCR differ from traditional PCR?

  It quantifies the absolute number of target molecules in a sample.
• What is the main advantage of Next Generation Sequencing?

  It allows for rapid and cost-effective sequencing of entire genomes.
• What are some applications of Next Generation Sequencing?

  Cancer genomics, rare disease diagnosis, prenatal testing, pharmacogenomics
• What are the applications of molecular diagnostics in infectious disease diagnosis?

  • Rapid detection of pathogens
  • PCR based methods and Real-time PCR
  • Antibiotic resistance testing
  • Outbreak monitoring
• What is genomic epidemiology?

  It involves real-time surveillance of infectious disease outbreaks.
• How does molecular diagnostics differ from traditional diagnostics?

  Molecular diagnostics focuses on genetic and molecular analysis.
• What are some other applications of molecular diagnostics?

  • Forensic Science (DNA Profiling)
  • Environmental Monitoring (Microbial Analysis, Biomarker detection)
• What are the applications of molecular diagnostics in cancer diagnostics?

  • Tumor profiling and biomarker discovery
  • Personalized cancer therapy
  • Early detection of cancer
• What is liquid biopsy?

  A non-invasive approach to cancer diagnosis and monitoring.
• What does circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) detect?

  Cancer-specific mutations and monitors disease progression.
• What is the role of circulating tumor cells (CTCs)?

  They help in identifying and assessing tumor heterogeneity.
• What is a challenge related to the cost of molecular diagnostics?

  High initial investment and expensive reagents.
• What are the emerging trends in molecular diagnostics?

  • CRISPR-Cas9 Gene Editing
  • Nanotechnology
• What is a complexity challenge in molecular diagnostics?

  Complex techniques and data analysis challenges.
• What ethical consideration is associated with molecular diagnostics?

  Privacy and data security concerns.
• What was the goal of the Human Genome Project?

  • Map all the genes in the human genome
  • Historical context starting in 1990
• What is pharmacogenomics?

  Tailoring drug therapy based on individual genetic makeup.
• What is a challenge related to data privacy in genomics?

  Genetic discrimination and social implications.
• What are the applications of personalized cancer treatment?

  • Tumor profiling
  • Targeted therapies
  • Immunotherapy
• What are the benefits of automation in healthcare diagnostics?

  • Increased efficiency
  • Enhanced accuracy
  • Examples include automated sample processing
• How does AI contribute to medical diagnosis?

  AI-powered image analysis aids in early disease detection.
• What is one application of AI in transfusion medicine?

  Predicting transfusion needs.
• What is a challenge related to AI in healthcare?

  Bias and fairness in AI algorithms.
• What is Point-of-Care Testing (POCT)?

  • Testing performed at or near the site of patient care
  • Rapid results and ease of use
• What are some advantages of POCT?

  Improved patient care and enhanced clinical decision-making.
• What is the process of a Lateral Flow Assay (LFA)?

  • Sample application
  • Lateral flow
  • Target capture
  • Color development
• What are common applications of LFAs?

  Infectious diseases, pregnancy tests, drug screening.
• What do electrochemical sensors do in POCT?

  Convert chemical information into electrical signals.
• What are the key types of electrochemical sensors used in POCT?

  1. Amperometric sensors
  2. Potentiometric sensors
  3. Conductometric sensors
  4. Impedimetric sensors
• What are common applications of electrochemical sensors in POCT?

  1. Glucose monitoring
  2. Electrolyte analysis
  3. Cardiac marker detection
  4. Drug monitoring
• What is a challenge related to the sensitivity of POCT?

  False-negative and false-positive results.
• What is a limitation regarding the interpretation of POCT results?

  Results may be misinterpreted by non-laboratory personnel.
• What environmental factors can affect POCT?

  Temperature, humidity, and light.