Molekulaarteste

Molekulaarteste are laboratory tests that detect specific molecules in a biological sample, such as nucleic acids (DNA or RNA) or proteins, to provide information about health, disease, or biological processes. They are widely used in clinical diagnostics, research, forensics, and environmental monitoring.

Most molekulaarteste used in medicine are nucleic acid tests (NATs) or immunoassays. Nucleic acid tests include polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and real-time PCR (qPCR), as well as reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) for RNA targets. Isothermal amplification methods, such as LAMP or recombinase polymerase amplification, offer rapid detection without thermocyclers. Sequencing-based approaches (targeted sequencing, whole-genome sequencing) identify pathogens or genetic variants. Protein-based tests detect antigens or antibodies using immunoassays such as ELISA or lateral flow assays.

The typical workflow includes sample collection, preparation and purification if needed, application of the detection method, and interpretation of results. Assays are accompanied by quality controls, reference materials, and validation data to ensure accuracy. In clinical settings, results are reported with thresholds, units, and clinical context to support diagnosis or management.

Applications span infectious disease diagnosis, detection of genetic mutations, cancer biomarker profiling, pharmacogenomics, and forensics or environmental analysis. Limitations include imperfect sensitivity or specificity, risk of contamination in amplification-based tests, and dependence on sample quality and timing. Regulatory oversight and accreditation vary by country, but many clinical molekulaarteste require validated protocols and robust quality management systems.