El. knyga: Nucleic Acid Testing for Human Disease

Nucleic Acid Testing for Human Disease describes various techniques including target and signal amplification-based NAT procedures, microarrays, bead-based multiplex assays, in situ hybridization, and SNP techniques. This book discusses RNA expression profiling and laboratory issues such as the need for proper validation of tests intended for routine use. It focuses on specific applications of NATs to human disease diagnosis and treatment, from viral, bacterial, fungal, and protozoan detection to genetic exploration by SNP determinations, patterns of RNA expression, and the growing relevance of epigenetic changes. It also offers different perspectives on future directions in the field.

The testing encompasses highly diverse methods for detecting and characterizing properties of DNA and RNA in their various forms, and is used widely for clinical diagnosis and in research settings. Depending on the job at hand, the DNA or RNA tested may be that of the human host or of a pathogen. Scientists from several medical fields explain aspects of the technology and survey the application of nucleic acid testing in the diagnosis and treatment of such human diseases as infections, cancer, and inherited disorders. Annotation ©2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)