Molecular point-of-care testing refers to the approaches that are based on detecting targeted portions of microbial genetic material, either DNA or RNA, that have been extracted directly from a patient sample to produce results outside of laboratory settings.
A healthcare professional would collect a specimen and analyze it during the patient’s visit, using a sample of tissue, blood, or other body fluid to check for certain genes or other molecules that may be a sign of a disease or condition.
Figure 1. Molecular Testing
The applications of molecular point-of-care testing are becoming broader every year. It is the fastest-growing segment of the broader diagnostics market. The market for molecular diagnostics is expected to grow from $8.5 billion at present to around $20 billion by 2030. The following list covers the details of how point-of-care testing comes into use:
- Identification and fine characterization of the genetic basis of inherited diseases.
- Help physicians access disease predisposition.
- Aid design and implement accurate diagnostic methods.
Applications of molecular point-of-care testing in COVID-19
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the entire world found itself dependent on PCR testing and other forms of point-of-care testing. Due to the massive number of infected individuals, relying on laboratory settings to confirm the diagnosis was simply impractical and unfeasible.
Figure 2. Molecular Point-of-Care Testing During COVID-19
A PCR test is the gold standard point-of-care technique to diagnose COVID-19. Since the immune system produces antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, a molecular PCR test is able to detect the DNA or RNA and confirm the diagnosis of COVID-19.
The world also learned that international laboratory informatics connectivity was insufficient in providing vital information about infectivity. Therefore, healthcare institutions from all around the globe are desperate to grasp the indispensability of molecular point-of-care testing for COVID-19 and other diseases.
Applications of molecular point-of-care testing in studying infectious diseases, inherited conditions, and cancer
Molecular diagnostics also helped researchers study various diseases. For instance, the prompt diagnosis of infectious diseases allowed for viable clinical trials to assess the effectiveness of certain drugs.
Figure 3. Molecular Point-of-Care Testing in Guiding Drugs
The test that revolutionized the field of infectious diseases is PCR. With molecular assays utilizing polymerase chain reactions (PCR), targeted genetic material is amplified, making a large number of copies so that an instrument can detect even very small amounts of microbial genetic material. By detecting DNA and RNA of various bacterial and viral pathogens, the diagnosis of previously challenging diseases became standard practice.
How can molecular point-of-care testing improve the assessment of various diseases?
The role of molecular point-of-care testing in assessing diseases is more palpable than ever. Doctors use molecular diagnostics to evaluate patients with infectious diseases. After one week of receiving treatment, the doctor will order another molecular PCR test to see whether the virus has disappeared.
Sansure offers a variety of molecular point-of-care testing kits to facilitate patient management and aid with the early detection of certain diseases. Products of Sansure cover COVID-19, respiratory infections (e.g., Monkeypox), HPV, EBV, hepatitis, sexually transmitted infections, and many more.
The company focuses on creating precise and intelligent molecular point-of-care testing to provide accessible diagnostic tools.
Conclusion
Molecular diagnostics help researchers, healthcare professionals, and patients alike. Sansure is a leading company in this field, offering dozens of genetic tests to accelerate patient care and reduce time lag. By offering innovative, accurate, convenient, rapid POC tests, and unmatched customer service, Sansure is gradually ascending above the competition.For more information, please visit Sansure at: https://www.sansureglobal.com/.