Molecular Diagnostics - Current Research and Applications (Book Review)

The use of molecular diagnostics has accelerated in recent years, and what was once a technique reserved for specialized centers is now in regular use in most microbiology laboratories. Indeed, integrated molecular diagnostics have now become a feature of even basic laboratories, targeting diseases such as tuberculosis, human immunodeficiency virus, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, including the ability to diagnose drug resistance. The major use remains in the virology world, where molecular diagnostics have been able to replace lengthy culturing methods enabling safe and quick diagnosis. The full role out of molecular tests in other fields has been slower to take hold, but with rapid advances in sequencing and the relative inexpense of new technologies it will not be long before these techniques are widespread. True point-of-care testing is also yet to be fully realized, and there is a push to develop tests that can be used at the bedside of the patient. This would allow a timely result where a treatment decision can be made. Once true, hand-held, mobile devices are available, then the step from result to delivering an evidence based clinical solution will be possible.