Over the last decade, there have been tremendous advancements in medicine. There’s been a clear improvement in the clinical management of patients all thanks to early detection of diseases by molecular diagnostics. The introduction of top-notch technology in laboratory testing has undoubtedly increased the rate ofaccurate detection and quick results. Most conditions may present systemically but are firmly rooted in the gene. Running simple tests on body fluids is not sufficient; hence the advent of molecular diagnostics.
Now with the use of an automated molecular platform, laboratory scientists can get a more in-depth view of various disease. The first step to solving a problem is to understand it fully.
What is Molecular Diagnostics?
Molecular diagnostics is defined as a group of techniques used to investigate genetic biomarkers to facilitate early detection and clinical management.
Here there is an extensive analysis of the patient and their genetic material, opening the door to the development of precision medicine.
In simpler terms, molecular diagnostics is a bunch of techniques that give access to a closer, more detailed look of how our cells interact. These interactions are responsible for many diseases making it easier to know the best course of treatment. Clinical practitioners all over the world now make use of molecular diagnostics to guide patient care; from detection to treatment.
With the emergence of various advancements in technology, quick results are now widespread. Early detection of diseases is so crucial as it drastically improves prognosis. Take, for example, the Sars-cov-19 pandemic. There was a massive spread of viral illness with no certified treatment or vaccine. The only way to initially control the reach of this disease was by early detection and isolation. In this case, the molecular diagnostic was the sole determinant of the rate mortality and morbidity.
Why is molecular diagnostics so Important?
The utilization of molecular diagnostics is not only restricted to patient management but also plays a significant role in preventive medicine. Its position in certain diseases that currently have no cure makes it an integral part of medical care. One primary reason why molecular diagnostics is essential in the health sciences;
It is vital in the management of certain severe diseases
Some diseases plague the human race. Over time, different forms of vaccines and cures have been discovered, but this doesn’t apply to all cases.
Example of such illnesses are:
- Cancer :This is when oncogenic mutations alter the processes of a cell. The cells then develop a faulty regulatory system leading an uncontrollable cell division. There is currently no cure for cancer, but its prognosis is much dependent on early detection through the identification of genetic biomarkers. Molecular diagnostics with the use of automated molecular platform allow in-depth study of the genetic pattern of certain cancers opening the door to the possibility of a cure.
- SARS-CoV-2 :This pandemic took the world by surprise claiming the lives of many. Although vaccines are being developed, the first and only defence against this contagious disease is early detection. The BD MAX system is an excellent example of a molecular diagnostic innovation for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) testing that provides increased accuracy and provides quick results.
Wrap up
How fast a disease can be detected is sometimes more significant in recover thanits management. Early detection with high precision is now made possible through the application of automated molecular platform in molecular diagnostics. The application of this innovation creates endless possibilities for the improvement of precision medicine.
