A commentary on the role of molecular technology and automation in clinical diagnostics

Ciara O'Connor, Marie Fitzgibbon, James Powell, Denis Barron, Jim O'Mahony, Lorraine Power, Nuala H. O'Connell, Colum Dunne

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Historically, the identification of bacterial or yeast isolates has been based on phenotypic characteristics such as growth on defined media, colony morphology, Gram stain, and various biochemical reactions, with significant delay in diagnosis.Clinical microbiology as a medical specialty has embraced advances in molecular technology for rapid species identification with broad-range 16S rDNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and matrix-assisted laser desorption and/or ionization time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry demonstrated as accurate, rapid, and cost-effective methods for the identification of most, but not all, bacteria and yeasts.Protracted conventional incubation times previously necessary to identify certain species has been mitigated, affording patients quicker diagnosis with associated reduction in exposure to empiric broad-spectrum antimicrobial therapy and shortened hospital stay.This short commentary details such molecular advances and their implications in the clinical microbiology setting.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)155-160
Number of pages6
JournalBioengineered
Volume5
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 21 Mar 2014
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Clinical microbiology
  • Impact
  • MALDI
  • PCR
  • Patient care

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