Molecular diagnostics refers to several techniques used to analyse biomarkers to identify diseases and decide which course of treatment against them would be most effective. Most molecular diagnostic tests are polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based because of the benefits it provides to scientists. In this blog post, we will look at how using immunoassays can enhance PCR molecular diagnostics and what applications they are used in.
What are Immunoassays?
Immunoassays (IA) are bioanalytical tests that quickly and accurately quantify specific molecules in samples. These molecules are identified by observing a reaction when an antibody and antigen react (also known as antibody binding or antigen binding). These tests allow small biological substances to be detected in blood and other fluids, enabling scientists to identify diseases and other health issues.
When used in line with PCR molecular diagnostics, serological immunoassays are most commonly carried out by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) using serum or plasma.
What are PCR Molecular Diagnostics?
PCR molecular diagnostics is a technique that scientists use to identify the presence of DNA, RNA or the proteins or amino acids they produce. These tests can be used for many different applications, which include:
- Antimicrobial resistance profiling
- Characterisation of viral nucleic acids
- Cloning DNA fragments
- Identifying infection diseases
- Identifying microorganisms
- Monitoring antiviral therapy
- Pathogen detection
Above are just a few critical applications of PCR molecular diagnostics, but there are many others. Its popularity has increased in the last decade as it is currently the most well-developed molecular technique available and provides several benefits.
However, scientists are looking to develop this technique further to improve its automation, cost-effectiveness and detection sensitivity. In the next section, we will look at how immunoassays are used to advance PCR molecular diagnostics.
How are Immunoassays Enhancing PCR Molecular Diagnostics?
To enhance PCR molecular diagnostics, serological immunoassays are being used to identify diseases and improve the detection and monitoring of how a patient’s immune system responds to pathogen exposure. The advantages of using immunoassays are that they enable sensitive and precise results and are accessible to administer. Other benefits include easy automation, more accurate results and can be completed quickly.
Immunoassays play a crucial role in identifying and monitoring diseases and determining the most appropriate treatment for those diseases. This is because of the benefits listed above, primarily high sensitivity and high throughput, which help quickly detect infectious diseases and monitor the reaction to any administered treatments.
Immunoassays from Synexa
Synexa Life Sciences are currently developing a method that will enable scientists to collect samples in a decentralised and non-invasive manner. This high-put serology method will have several advantages for applications in drug discovery and monitoring. Are you interested in learning more? Learn more about our immunoassays and other bioanalytical services here
References
- Laboratory Medicine, Volume 27, Issue 3, 1 March 1996, Pages 177–183, https://doi.org/10.1093/labmed/27.3.177
- Darwish, I. Immunoassay Methods and their Applications in Pharmaceutical Analysis: Basic Methodology and Recent Advances. Int J Biomed Sci. 2006 Sep; 2(3): 217–235. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3614608/#
