title: Molecular diagnostics of infectious diseases: state of the technology.
abstract: In this review, the basic technologies and procedures currently used in clinical laboratories performing molecular diagnostics are described. Special emphasis on specimen processing has been made since it is one of the most challenging steps involved in molecular testing. Representative examples are given for each type of technology, especially tests that are currently available in the market. The types of hybridization-based and amplification-based procedures are detailed. Finally, current problems and future developments are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Laboratories, State of New Hampshire, 6 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03301, USA. ssakallah@dhhs.state.nh.us
authors.forename: S A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Sakallah
mesh_terms: D003141:Communicable Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D020732:Cytogenetic Analysis / Q000379:methods*; D021141:Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D009693:Nucleic Acid Hybridization / Q000379:methods*; D013048:Specimen Handling