Molecular techniques are changing how we diagnose diseases in important ways. Here’s how:
Better Sensitivity and Specificity: Molecular diagnostics use methods like PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) and NGS (Next-Generation Sequencing). These tools can find very small amounts of DNA, sometimes just 1-10 copies. This is much less than what older methods, like histopathology, need. For example, NGS can spot changes in tumor DNA with up to 95% accuracy.
Understanding Tumor Genetics: With molecular methods, we can closely examine the changes in genes within tumors. This helps doctors understand specific mutations and decide on the best treatments. For instance, finding EGFR mutations in non-small cell lung cancer can help doctors choose therapies that can work for about 70% of patients.
Finding Infections Quickly: Molecular techniques can quickly discover germs that cause infections. This helps doctors diagnose patients faster. For example, tests for tuberculosis, like Xpert MTB/RIF, have over 95% accuracy, allowing for quick treatment to start.
Personalized Medicine: When doctors use molecular diagnostics, they can create personalized treatment plans. This means treatments are based on individual genetic profiles. Currently, nearly 20% of new cancer treatments being developed depend on these tests to find the right patients to help.
Liquid Biopsies: New methods now let us collect genetic material from body fluids like blood. Liquid biopsies allow us to find tumor markers without needing a surgery. Research shows that they can identify about 70% of mutations in different cancers, making them a great alternative to traditional tissue biopsies.
In short, molecular techniques are transforming how we diagnose diseases. They offer high accuracy, help create personalized treatment plans, speed up the detection of infections, and support less invasive procedures. All of this improves the quality of care for patients.
Molecular techniques are changing how we diagnose diseases in important ways. Here’s how:
Better Sensitivity and Specificity: Molecular diagnostics use methods like PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) and NGS (Next-Generation Sequencing). These tools can find very small amounts of DNA, sometimes just 1-10 copies. This is much less than what older methods, like histopathology, need. For example, NGS can spot changes in tumor DNA with up to 95% accuracy.
Understanding Tumor Genetics: With molecular methods, we can closely examine the changes in genes within tumors. This helps doctors understand specific mutations and decide on the best treatments. For instance, finding EGFR mutations in non-small cell lung cancer can help doctors choose therapies that can work for about 70% of patients.
Finding Infections Quickly: Molecular techniques can quickly discover germs that cause infections. This helps doctors diagnose patients faster. For example, tests for tuberculosis, like Xpert MTB/RIF, have over 95% accuracy, allowing for quick treatment to start.
Personalized Medicine: When doctors use molecular diagnostics, they can create personalized treatment plans. This means treatments are based on individual genetic profiles. Currently, nearly 20% of new cancer treatments being developed depend on these tests to find the right patients to help.
Liquid Biopsies: New methods now let us collect genetic material from body fluids like blood. Liquid biopsies allow us to find tumor markers without needing a surgery. Research shows that they can identify about 70% of mutations in different cancers, making them a great alternative to traditional tissue biopsies.
In short, molecular techniques are transforming how we diagnose diseases. They offer high accuracy, help create personalized treatment plans, speed up the detection of infections, and support less invasive procedures. All of this improves the quality of care for patients.