Answer:
Here are some notable applications of medical biotechnology in disease diagnosis:
Genetic Testing: Medical biotechnology facilitates genetic testing to identify genetic mutations, variations, or markers associated with inherited diseases. This helps diagnose genetic disorders, predicting disease risk, and providing personalized treatment options.
Molecular Diagnostics: Techniques, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), nucleic acid amplification, and DNA sequencing, are utilized in medical biotechnology to detect and identify infectious agents, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites. These methods aid to rapidly and accurately diagnose diseases, such as HIV, tuberculosis, hepatitis, and sexually transmitted infections.
Biomarker Detection: Medical biotechnology helps identify and measure specific molecules known as biomarkers that indicate the presence or progression of a disease. Biomarkers can be proteins, DNA, RNA, or metabolites. Their detection and analysis help diagnose conditions like cancer, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, and autoimmune diseases.
Immunodiagnostics: Medical biotechnology involves usng immunoassays, such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs), to detect and measure specific antibodies or antigens in body fluids. These tests help diagnose infectious diseases, autoimmune disorders, allergies, and hormonal imbalances.
Imaging Technologies: Biotechnology advancements have improved medical imaging techniques, such as computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), and ultrasound. These imaging modalities facilitate non-invasive diagnosis and monitoring of various diseases, including cancers, cardiovascular conditions, neurological disorders, and musculoskeletal ailments.
Point-of-Care Testing: Medical biotechnology facilitates the development of rapid, portable, and user-friendly diagnostic devices for point-of-care testing. These devices facilitate immediate on-site diagnosis without the need for laboratory infrastructure. They make them particularly useful in resource-limited settings or emergency situations.
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