Strengths and Limitations of Molecular
Testing
Molecular Diagnostics
(MDx) Review 570
Strengths
Limitations
High sensitivity
High specificity
Ability to predict some diseases before they are manifested in patient
Ability to detect mutations that predict response to some therapies
Ability to detect nonviable, fastidious, slow-growing, & nonculturable microorganisms
Adaptability to automation (high throughput, rapid turnaround time)
Potential for nucleic acid contamination
Data not always clinically significant, e.g., presence of microbial nucleic acid doesn’t always indicate disease, unable
to differentiate viable & dead microorganisms
Cost
