?:definition
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Laboratory analyzers designed for automated performing, processing, displaying, and reporting the results of molecular assays. These analyzers integrate all the steps of the analysis, including sample (i.e., nucleic acid) preparation, amplification, and detection. The analyzers may use one or more of several technologies, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR), fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), and nucleic acid sequence based amplification (NASBA) or branched DNA signal amplification (bDNA). They perform the detection either directly (e.g., using a fluorimeter or luminometer, melting curve analysis) from a sample that was previously replicated in a separate instrument or include a nucleic acid replication processor (e.g., a thermal cycler) that amplifies a previously purified nucleic acid sample. Molecular assay analyzers are used clinically to detect, identify, and/or quantify molecules of microorganisms (e.g., bacteria, virus, fungus) and/or genetic abnormalities based in the characteristics of the patient\'s nucleic acids (e.g., DNA, RNA, mRNA).
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