title: Emerging homogeneous DNA-based technologies in the clinical laboratory.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Advances in molecular diagnostic technologies have enabled genetic testing in single closed-tube reactions. The purpose of this review is to highlight some of the platforms and technologies currently available for the homogeneous detection of targets and the application of the technologies in the clinical setting. Validation issues surrounding the technologies, which may need to be addressed before they can become widely accepted, will also be discussed.
  
  
  METHODS
  This review discusses the principles of several of the major technologies available for performing homogeneous genetic analyses. Publications arising from the application of the technologies in a wide range of clinical areas are used to highlight and compare the potential advantages and shortcomings of the various technologies.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  This review is descriptive and focuses on three areas: the technologies available for performing homogeneous analysis, the clinical applications where the technologies are being used, and validation issues surrounding the acceptance of the technologies in the general clinical setting.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This review intends to give the reader a greater understanding of the various technologies available for performing homogeneous genetic testing in the clinical laboratory. Through insight into the principles and performance characteristics underlying these technologies, the end user can evaluate their value and limitations in the clinical diagnostic setting.
authors.affiliation: Bio-Analytical Innovations Team, LGC, Queens Road, Teddington, Middlesex, United Kingdom TW11 0LY. caf@lgc.co.uk
authors.forename: C A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Foy
authors.forename: H C
authors.initials: HC
authors.lastname: Parkes
mesh_terms: D019411:Clinical Laboratory Techniques / Q000639:trends*; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D019937:Diagnostic Techniques and Procedures; D006801:Humans; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods*; D011786:Quality Control; D015203:Reproducibility of Results