title: DNA and RNA amplification in urology: the polymerase chain reaction.
abstract: Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology is a promising molecular approach for diagnosis of genitourinary tract infections, inherited disorders, tumor-associated genetic alterations and tumor markers. Because it is based on exponential amplification, the technology is capable of ultimate theoretical sensitivity. Although not entirely free of technical limitations, PCR holds advantages over other diagnostic tests, including exquisite sensitivity, specificity, interchangeability and speed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, University of Washington, Seattle.
authors.forename: D E
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: Riley
authors.forename: J N
authors.initials: JN
authors.lastname: Krieger
mesh_terms: D001483:Base Sequence; D004247:DNA / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods*; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics; D012313:RNA / Q000032:analysis*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013696:Temperature; D014552:Urinary Tract Infections / Q000382:microbiology; D014570:Urologic Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000235:genetics
chemical_list: D012313:RNA; D004247:DNA