Polymerase Chain Reaction News and Research

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Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a revolutionary laboratory technique that enables the replication of a specific DNA sequence. Using PCR, millions of copies of a target DNA can be easily synthesized within a short period of time.

Johns Hopkins scientists discover earliest premalignant genetic changes that mark potential onset of lung cancer

Working with tissue, blood and DNA from six people with precancerous and cancerous lung lesions, a team of Johns Hopkins scientists has identified what it believes are among the very earliest “premalignant” genetic changes that mark the potential onset of the most common and deadliest form of disease.

23 Sep 2015

New nanozyme test can help curb Ebola spread in western Africa

A new Ebola test that uses magnetic nanoparticles could help curb the spread of the disease in western Africa. Research published in Biosensors and Bioelectronics shows that the new test is 100 times more sensitive than the current test, and easier to use. Because of this, the new test makes it easier and cheaper to diagnose cases, enabling healthcare workers to isolate patients and prevent the spread of Ebola.

10 Sep 2015

Quest Diagnostics receives FDA 510(k) clearance for Simplexa HSV 1 & 2 Direct molecular test

Quest Diagnostics, the world’s leading provider of diagnostic information services, today announced that its Focus Diagnostics products business has received FDA 510(k) clearance to add the genital swab claim to its Simplexa HSV 1 & 2 Direct molecular test on the Integrated Cycler.

From Quest Diagnostics 4 Sep 2015

Benznidazole has significant antiparasitic activity, but does not reduce progression of Chagas cardiomyopathy

A 40 to 80 day treatment with the antiparasitic medication benznidazole significantly reduced parasite activity in the blood, but not progression, of serious heart problems over a 5-year period among patients with established Chagas disease (CD) cardiomyopathy, results of the BENEFIT trial show.

1 Sep 2015

Rare BCR-ABL fusions highlighted in CML

Chronic myeloid leukaemia patients with rare BCR-ABL fusions may be missed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction, research suggests.

24 Jul 2015

Enigma, Beijing Leadman sign agreement for MiniLab molecular diagnostic Point-of-Care platform

Enigma Diagnostics Ltd. and Beijing Leadman Biochemistry Co., Ltd. signed a joint venture agreement with the principal goal of delivering the Enigma MiniLab molecular diagnostic Point-of-Care platform into the Chinese health care market to support its growing diagnostic needs.

23 Jul 2015

dlDNA marks progression of HBV-related liver disease

The level of serum duplex-linear DNA increases markedly with liver disease progression and development of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, suggests research published in Gut.

30 Jun 2015

Ebola diagnosis now possible within minutes

The Lancet has published details of a new point-of-care test for Ebola virus that is as sensitive as the conventional laboratory test, but provides results within minutes.

25 Jun 2015

Hitachi High-Technologies, QIAGEN form new strategic partnership to advance molecular testing

Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation and QIAGEN N.V. have entered into a long-term strategic collaboration involving initiatives to deliver important advances in molecular testing.

From QIAGEN Manchester Limited 18 Jun 2015

Roche announces FDA 510(k) clearance for cobas HSV 1 and 2 Test

Roche announced today that the US Food and Drug Administration has provided 510(k) clearance for the cobas HSV 1 and 2 Test for the direct detection and differentiation of HSV-1 and HSV-2 DNA in anogenital specimens from symptomatic patients. With dual target detection and automation, the cobas HSV 1 and 2 Test provides laboratories with the capability to report up to 94 results in significantly less time than traditional methods and provides a simplified workflow for sample handling in the laboratory.

4 Jun 2015

Quest Diagnostics launches genomic test service that aids in diagnosis for myeloid neoplasms

Quest Diagnostics, the world's leading provider of diagnostic information services, today announced LeukoVantage, an evidence-based genomic test service that aids in the diagnosis, prognosis, monitoring and selection of treatment for myeloid neoplasms, a group of hematologic malignancies that includes acute myeloid leukemia (AML), the most common form of adult acute leukemia, as well as myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs).

From Quest Diagnostics 7 May 2015

Researchers report novel approach to combat multidrug-resistant bacterial pathogens

With the threat of multidrug-resistant bacterial pathogens growing, new ideas to treat infections are sorely needed. Researchers at University of California, San Diego School of Medicine and Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences report preliminary success testing an entirely novel approach -- tagging bacteria with a molecular "homing beacon" that attracts pre-existing antibodies to attack the pathogens.

7 May 2015

Mutations in PARN and RTEL1 associated with familial pulmonary fibrosis, telomere shortening

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified mutations in two genes that cause a fatal lung scarring disease known as familial pulmonary fibrosis.

5 May 2015

Scientific study confirms harmful effect of submicroscopic malarial infections during pregnancy

A scientific study conducted in Benin by researchers from IRD and the Centre for study and research on pregnancy associated malaria and infancy (CERPAGE, Benin) confirms the harmful impact of submicroscopic malarial infections during pregnancy. These complications include maternal anaemia, premature births and low birthweights in children.

28 Apr 2015

CML guidelines highlight need for TKI switch timing, choice

A review of the European LeukemiaNet guidelines on the care of patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia highlights the need for research into the timing and use of second-line and third-line tyrosine kinase inhibitors.

20 Apr 2015

Focus Diagnostics announces FDA clearance for Simplexa Group A Strep Direct Kit

Focus Diagnostics, the clinical-laboratory products business of Quest Diagnostics, today announced the FDA 510(k) clearance and CLIA moderate-complexity categorization for its Simplexa Group A Strep Direct Kit. Simplexa Group A Strep Direct is a real-time polymerase chain reaction assay for the detection of Group A Streptococcus bacteria directly from throat swabs.

From Quest Diagnostics 15 Apr 2015

New prenatal test introduced for detecting Down’s Syndrome

A new prenatal test for Down’s Syndrome may be more effective at diagnosing the condition than the standard screening that is currently used, suggests a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

2 Apr 2015

Laboratory criteria for CML deep molecular response reviewed

Laboratory recommendations for the detection and measurement of a deep response to chronic myeloid leukaemia treatment have been developed as part of the European Treatment and Outcome Study for CML.

24 Mar 2015

Kalorama Information: Budding market for digital PCR reached 175 million in 2014

Kalorama Information estimated the budding market for digital PCR reached 175 million in 2014. The market research publisher said companies will be looking to provide products to increase research and diagnostics in diseases like cancer and neurological disorders.

13 Mar 2015

Bielefeld University chemists develop copper molecule that could help prevent spread of cancer

Chemists at Bielefeld University have developed a molecule containing copper that binds specifically with DNA and prevents the spread of cancer. First results show that it kills the cancer cells more quickly than cisplatin - a widely used anti-cancer drug that is frequently administered in chemotherapy.

2 Mar 2015