title: Application of rapid-cycle real-time polymerase chain reaction for the detection of microbial pathogens: the Mayo-Roche Rapid Anthrax Test.
abstract: Rapid-cycle real-time polymerase chain reaction has immediate and important implications for diagnostic testing in the clinical microbiology laboratory. In our experience this novel testing method has outstanding performance characteristics. The sensitivities for detecting microorganisms frequently exceed standard culture-based assays, and the time required to complete the assays is considerably shorter than that required for culture-based assays. We describe the principle of real-time polymerase chain reaction and present clinical applications, including the detection of Bacillus anthracis, the causative agent of anthrax. This latter test is commercially available as the result of a collaborative venture between Mayo Clinic and Roche Applied Science, hence the designation The Mayo-Roche Rapid Anthrax Test.
authors.affiliation: Division of Clinical Microbiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
authors.forename: James R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Uhl
authors.forename: Constance A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Bell
authors.forename: Lynne M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Sloan
authors.forename: Mark J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Espy
authors.forename: Thomas F
authors.initials: TF
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: Jon E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Rosenblatt
authors.forename: Franklin R
authors.initials: FR
authors.lastname: Cockerill
mesh_terms: D000881:Anthrax / Q000175:diagnosis; D001408:Bacillus anthracis / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D001419:Bacteria / Q000302:isolation & purification; D004269:DNA, Bacterial / Q000032:analysis / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D006801:Humans; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
chemical_list: D004269:DNA, Bacterial