Nucleic Acid Testing for Human Disease

Nucleic Acid Testing for Human Disease describes various techniques including target and signal amplification-based NAT procedures, microarrays, bead-based multiplex assays, in situ hybridization, and SNP techniques. This book discusses RNA expression profiling and laboratory issues such as the need for proper validation of tests intended for routine use. It focuses on specific applications of NATs to human disease diagnosis and treatment, from viral, bacterial, fungal, and protozoan detection to genetic exploration by SNP determinations, patterns of RNA expression, and the growing relevance of epigenetic changes. It also offers different perspectives on future directions in the field.

Nucleic acid diagnostic technology. Target Amplification-Based Techniques. Signal Amplification-Based Techniques. Microarrays: Human Disease Detection and Monitoring. Bead-Based Flow Systems: From Centralized Laboratories to Genetic Testing in the Field. In situ Hybridization. SNP Detection Techniques. RNA Expression Profiling. Evolution of the Molecular Microbiology Laboratory. Disease applications of NAT tests. Bacterial STDs. Sexually Transmissible Viral Pathogens: The Human Papillomaviruses and Herpes Simplex Viruses. Blood-Borne Viruses in Clinical and Diagnostic Virology. Molecular Methods for the Diagnosis of Fungal Infections. Molecular Diagnostic Approaches in Infectious Disease. Cancer Detection and Prognosis. Common Inherited Genetic Disorders. Bridging the Gap Between Analytical and Clinical Validation. Future Perspectives on Nucleic Acid Testing. Index.