Molecular Microbiology (PCR) Laboratory
A new platform for the diagnosis of infectious diseases!
Molecular microbiology; Is a department in clinical microbiology that detects the DNA/RNA of microorganisms. With the PCR (Polymerase chain reaction) technic DNA/RNA of the target microorganism are replicated to a detectable level. In this way, a new era has opened in the field of clinical microbiology, with a much more sensitive and rapid diagnosis. As Wellcare laboratories, we follow these innovations and help our physicians in diagnosis. Detection of a single microorganism in any given sample taken is called monoplex PCR, and detection of several microorganisms at the same time is called multiplex PCR.
What is multiplex PCR?
Multiplex PCR, also known as syndromic testing, is a new generation molecular diagnostic method. With this molecular method, more than one bacterial, viral, fungal or parasitic pathogen can be detected in a single test run. The advantage of the multiplex PCR method over the well-known conventional monoplex PCR is that many factors can be detected from one sample with the same PCR run. Syndromic testing allows clinicians to quickly test for a variety of pathogens, usually with higher sensitivity and specificity than conventional methods.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF MULTIPLEX PCR TO DIAGNOSIS?
1. Fast conversion time
PCR technology has the advantage of speed in that it can detect pathogens within a few hours. In contrast to bacterial culture tests, where the results are only available after days.
2. SENSITIVITY
Even the smallest amount of a pathogen can be detected because the DNA or RNA of the pathogen is detected. Therefore, its sensitivity is high.
3. The results are not affected by taking antibiotics
Since the DNA of the pathogen is detected, it is not possible for the bacteria to be affected by antibiotics, as is the case with the culture of bacterial growth. For this reason, it is possible to detect pathogens at a higher rate, about twice as high as with culture methods. Therefore, multiplex PCR can be used without problems both in the presence of the disease and in the follow-up of treatment.
4. Multiple pathogens are detected in a single test run
Multiplex PCR is a very advanced method in molecular diagnostics. It allows viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasitic factors to be searched for together in a single molecular study. And thanks to the high sensitivity, the diagnosis can be made in a short amount of time.
Bellow you can examine the different multiplex PCR panels we have to offer;