molecular diagnostics

Question 1

What do molecular diagnostic tests do?

Answer 1

Detect specific sequences in DNA or RNA that may or may not be associated with disease eg.g. SNP, deletions, insertions

Question 2

Advantages

Answer 2

increased sensitivity and specificity

ability to differentiate species and strains

Question 3

Disadvantages

Answer 3

non-targeted organisms not detected
expensive equipment
contamination
may or may not be performed rapidly