A look at some of the newest generation ‘load and go’ molecular microbiology analyzers.
For decades, pathogens have been isolated and grown in blood cultures, and detected using microscopes, serology and biochemical techniques. However the last few years have seen a revolution in modern microbiology.
The above tests still form the core work of most routine microbiology labs, but modern analytical techniques such as molecular diagnostics and mass spectrometry are increasingly being incorporated, to varying degrees, in laboratories around the world.
Molecular diagnostics refers to the analysis of nucleic acid from DNA or RNA. In the clinical microbiology lab, scientists are looking for the nucleic acid of microorganisms to confirm or exclude a diagnosis.
The molecular diagnostic work undertaken in the lab can vary from a simple, manual monoplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based test to complex automated, multiplex testing (testing for multiple pathogens simultaneously). Some of the newest generation ‘load and go’ molecular analyzers are detailed below.
VERIS Mdx Molecular Diagnostics System
The DxN VERIS combines sample prep and sample analysis steps into a single workflow. The automation of DNA extraction, purification, assay set-up and analysis saves the user time and also prevents user error and the risk of contamination. Using real-time PCR, the system is designed for multiplex assays and uses magnetic particle separation for nucleic acid extraction and purification. The initial test menu includes Cytomegalovirus, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV-1 ......
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| Microbiology has traditionally involved use of blood cultures, however molecular methods are increasingly employed in modern laboratories; Beckman Coulter's VERIS Mdx Molecular Diagnostics System |
Source: SelectScience
