Automation of laboratory testing for infectious diseases using the polymerase chain reaction — our past, our present, our future

摘要: Abstract While it is an extremely powerful and versatile assay method, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) can be a labor-intensive process. Since the advent of commercial test kits from Roche semi-automated microwell Amplicor™ system, PCR has become increasingly useful widespread clinical tool. However, more acceptance molecular testing will depend upon automation that allows assays to enter routine laboratory. The forces driving need for automated are requirements diagnosis treatment chronic viral diseases, economic pressures develop less expensive procedures similar those in chemistry laboratories, shortage many areas qualified laboratory personnel trained types manual used past decades. COBAS AMPLICOR™ system amplification detection Specimen preparation remains most part process, accounting majority hands-on-time assays. A new specimen AmpliPrep™, was evaluated. automatically releases target nucleic acid, captures with specific oligonucleotide probes, which attached magnetic beads via biotin–streptavidin binding reaction. Once beads, purified concentrated automatically. Results 298 qualitative 57 quantitative samples representing wide range virus concentrations analyzed after AmpliPrep™ methods, showed there no significant difference or hepatitis C (HCV) performance, respectively. instrument decreased time required prepare serum plasma HCV under 1 min per sample. This decrease 76% compared method. Systems analyze higher throughput answer questions about nature microbes we presently only detect quantitate needed future.