Explanation may include the following concepts:
- Advantages of molecular diagnostics
- The ability to detect diseases that are difficult to identify by traditional methodology
- Rapid diagnoses
- More sensitive test methodology
- Requirement of a minute sample (especially important in tuberculosis, hepatitis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and certain other cases)
- Use in paternity and forensic testing
- Disadvantages of molecular diagnostics
- Relatively high cost
- Higher level of technician training than is needed for traditional diagnostics
Process/Skill Questions:
- How has molecular diagnostic testing become important in the diagnosis of leukemia?
- What is meant by a genetic fingerprint? What is the relationship between the "genetic fingerprint" and molecular diagnosis?
- Why is rapid diagnosis through molecular testing important?