THE FUTURE OF MEDICAL LABORATORIES AND CLINICAL DIAGNOSIS OF DISEASES

Abstract

Background: Laboratory tests are actually requested for a) predicting susceptibility to diseases, b) preventing diseases by identifying risk factors, c) diagnosing many pathological conditions, often at an early stage, d) prognosticating, e) monitoring disease progression, and f) personalising treatments to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Methodology: New technologies are increasingly being used in clinical laboratories, such as amplification and sequencing of universal gene targets, Detecting the Virus Antigen and Circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) that has been detected in cancer, autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases, stroke, sepsis, trauma, and pregnancy.

Results: In routine clinical practice, there are several parameters that must be considered as a reliable biomarker, such as high sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value (PPV) that, increasing the likelihood of making the best decisions for the individual's optimum care.

Conclusions: Clinical laboratories are not only testing services, but also knowledge services that make use of all available communication channels; they provide more than just assay results; they also provide knowledge and education.