Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us
PURITAN MEDICAL

Download Mobile App




Molecular Multiplex Panels Quickly Supplanting Conventional Pathogen Detection Methods, Finds Report

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 28 Sep 2023

Multiplex molecular panels are increasingly being adopted in clinical labs for detecting a variety of microbial pathogens in different settings. More...

While a lot of data exists on their effectiveness in identifying respiratory pathogens, there is scant information available for other types. Now, the latest review provides valuable insights into the use of multiplex PCR panels for detecting pathogens in the gastrointestinal system, central nervous system, lower respiratory tract, and joint specimens. The review not only explores new methods for detecting pathogens in alternative types of specimens but also outlines challenges related to the implementation of new tests and the costs involved.

The Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP, Rockville, MD, USA) has published a review of the benefits and challenges in utilizing multiplex PCR panels for detecting microbial pathogens from gastrointestinal, central nervous system, lower respiratory tract, and joint specimens. The manuscript, “Exploring the Utility of Multiplex Infectious Disease Panel Testing for Diagnosis of Infection in Different Body Sites: A Joint Report of the Association for Molecular Pathology, American Society for Microbiology (ASM), Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA), and Pan American Society for Clinical Virology (PASCV),” has been released online ahead of publication in The Journal of Molecular Diagnostics.

Despite the apparent benefits and growing adoption of PCR multiplex panels, several questions still remain unanswered. For example, how exhaustive should the panel be to realize the advantages previously described? Is it more useful to have extensive multi-target panels, or is a specific subset of organisms sufficient for routine testing? Additionally, what is contributing to better patient outcomes—quicker test results or a more systematic approach that balances costs and patient benefits? These issues require more investigation as our understanding of the clinical utility of PCR multiplex panels continues to develop.

“Molecular multiplex panels are quickly supplanting conventional pathogen detection methods,” said Michael A. Lewinski, PhD, Chair of the AMP Infectious Diseases Multiplex Working Group. “This new report offers a detailed snapshot of the various clinical and analytical benefits and challenges associated with these panels for diagnosis of infection in different body sites. We also raise a few questions that warrant further study.”

Related Links:
AMP


New
Gold Member
Blood Gas Analyzer
Stat Profile pHOx
3-Part Differential Hematology Analyzer
Swelab Alfa Plus Sampler
New
Clinical Chemistry System
P780
New
Capillary Blood Collection Tube
IMPROMINI M3
Read the full article by registering today, it's FREE! It's Free!
Register now for FREE to LabMedica.com and get access to news and events that shape the world of Clinical Laboratory Medicine.
  • Free digital version edition of LabMedica International sent by email on regular basis
  • Free print version of LabMedica International magazine (available only outside USA and Canada).
  • Free and unlimited access to back issues of LabMedica International in digital format
  • Free LabMedica International Newsletter sent every week containing the latest news
  • Free breaking news sent via email
  • Free access to Events Calendar
  • Free access to LinkXpress new product services
  • REGISTRATION IS FREE AND EASY!
Click here to Register








DIASOURCE (A Biovendor Company)

Channels

Molecular Diagnostics

view channel
Image: The VeraBIND Tau assay is a novel blood test that identifies the presence of active tau pathology (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

First Blood-Based Test Measures Key Alzheimer's Biomarker in Asymptomatic and Symptomatic Individuals

Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, affects an estimated 7.2 million Americans aged 65 or older. Current diagnostic methods for AD are often invasive, expensive,... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: The microfluidic device for passive separation of platelet-rich plasma from whole blood (Photo courtesy of University of the Basque Country)

Portable and Disposable Device Obtains Platelet-Rich Plasma Without Complex Equipment

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) plays a crucial role in regenerative medicine due to its ability to accelerate healing and repair tissue. However, obtaining PRP traditionally requires expensive centrifugation... Read more

Immunology

view channel
Image: The 3D paper-based analytical device has shown high clinical accuracy for adult-onset immunodeficiency (Photo courtesy of National Taiwan University)

Paper-Based Device Accurately Detects Immune Defects in 10 Minutes

Patients with hidden immune defects are especially vulnerable to severe and persistent infections, often due to autoantibodies that block interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), a key molecule in immune defense.... Read more

Pathology

view channel
Image: Researchers have developed a novel method to analyze tumor growth rates (Photo courtesy of Adobe Stock)

Novel Method To Analyze Tumor Growth Rates Helps Tracks Progression Between Diagnosis and Surgery

Patients diagnosed with breast cancer often worry about how quickly their tumors grow while they wait for surgery, and whether delays in treatment might allow the disease to spread beyond the point of cure.... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2025 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.