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MOLECULAR-BIOLOGY LABORATORY
Special place in our Institute is reserved for our PCR center in which we detect
viruses, bacteria and parasites using Polymerase Chain Reaction,
PCR, based on their genetic
material.
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Standard
methods are mainly based on detection of
antibodies that are created by the infected
organism after a certain time period since the entry
of a foreign body, and that may last from few days
as up to few months, like in case of HIV.
During this period the result could be (false)
negative, although it doesn't mean that the
infection has not occurred.
High precision of PCR method is based on the
very fact that the detection is not performed on the
base of antibody presence, but on the presence of
genetic material (DNA or RNA) of the parasite, virus
or bacteria itself.
PCR diagnostics, in Hexalab, is performed on
automatic analyzer
Cobas Amplicor, Roche.
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Medical
indications
• Chlamydia trachomatis (blood, urine, swab) - test
is used for direct assessment of C. trachomatis in
clinical sample using PCR method.
Urine sample must be first morning midstream
urine sample. Before analyzing it is needed to vortex the
sample.
Reliability of results depends on adequate sampling procedures and proper sample
transport conditions.
Method sensitivity is such that very low concentration of C. trachomatis
could stay undetected (less than 5 copies/PCR or 80 IFU/mL).
• Mycobacterium tuberculosis (blood, urine,
swab) - the test is used for direct assessment of M.
tuberculosis in clinical samples using PCR method.
Direct detection using PCR is necessary for definitive
diagnosis.
A 24h urine sample is needed.
Method sensitivity is such that very low concentration of M. tuberculosis
could stay undetected (40 M. tuberculosis cells/PCR or 1600 CFU/mL).
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HCV RNA, quantitative test (blood) - used for
direct assessment of HCV RNA in patients serum or plasma
and determination of the level of viremia, that means
quantification of HCV RNA using RT-PCR method.
By using PCR method it is possible to detect HCV viremia before
seroconversion, and also monitor the fluctuation of
viremia in chronic HCV patients on therapy.
Reliability of results depends on adequate sampling procedures and sample
transport and storage conditions.
Method sensitivity is such that very low concentration of M. tuberculosis
could stay undetected (less than 102 IU/mL).
Important: False negative results may
occur due to PCR reaction inhibition because of the presence
of endogenous and/or exogenous inhibitors.
This problem can be superseded using endogenous control in each reaction,
which means simultaneous amplification of control plasma DNA.
In case of detected inhibition, PCR assessment is being repeated.
The prices of
all of our laboratory services you may find in our
price list. |
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