Molecular diagnostics assess your biological makeup at the genetic level. Unlocking DNA code can reveal variations between individuals which may represent a predisposition to develop a disease or even treatment options that may be more effective in some people.
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Function
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Molecular diagnostic tests analyze genetic content for disease information. These tests may sequence specific regions of DNA to identify genetic mutations or quantify the levels of certain genetic materials which may be expressed by a bacterium, virus or cancer.
Significance
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Your DNA sequence may consist of an inherited or random mutation which may affect your probability of developing a disease or your ability to respond to a particular treatment. Similarly, molecular diagnostics can identify specific strains of an infection, such as H1N1 virus.
Benefits
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The genetic predisposition for a specific disease or condition may alert an individual to make certain lifestyle choices to avoid or monitor the development of the particular disease. Certain mutations may also affect treatment options as some therapies work differently if the drug target contains critical mutations. Therefore, doctors can use this genetic information to select the optimal therapeutic strategy for each individual and illness.
Misconceptions
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A mutation may identify a genetic predisposition to develop a certain disease. However, this does not guarantee that an individual will actually develop that disease and may cause unnecessary anxiety.
Types
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Molecular diagnostics are used to identify infectious diseases such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, influenza virus and tuberculosis as well as the presence or predisposition to various conditions such as cancer and cystic fibrosis.
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