TESTS
Molecular & Genetics Dept

The molecular and genetic tests performed in a microbiological laboratory typically include a wide range of analyses related to DNA and RNA, for the diagnosis of infections, hereditary diseases, genetic mutations, etc.

Below are the main categories:

A. Molecular Testing (PCR, RT-PCR, etc.):

1. Virus detection:

   • HPV (human papillomavirus)

   • HSV 1 & 2 (herpes simplex virus)

   • HBV, HCV (hepatitis B and C)

   • HIV

   • SARS-CoV-2 (coronavirus)

   • EBV, CMV (Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus)

2. Bacteria & parasite detection:

   • Mycobacterium tuberculosis (tuberculosis)

   • Chlamydia trachomatis & Neisseria gonorrhoeae (sexually transmitted infections)

   • Helicobacter pylori (stomach ulcer)

   • Toxoplasma gondii (toxoplasmosis)

3. Antimicrobial resistance testing (resistance genes):

   • MRSA (methicillin resistance)

   • ESBLs, carbapenemases (resistant Gram-negative bacteria)

B. Genetic Testing / Genetics:

1. Hereditary disease testing:

   • Thalassemia (HBB genes)

   • Cystic fibrosis (CFTR gene)

   • Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA)

   • Phenylketonuria

2. Karyotype (conventional and molecular - FISH, array-CGH):

   • Chromosomal abnormalities (e.g., Down syndrome)

3. Molecular prenatal screening:

   • NIPT (non-invasive prenatal testing of fetal DNA in maternal blood)

4. Cancer-related mutation testing:

   • BRCA1/2 (breast/ovarian cancer)

   • KRAS, EGFR, BRAF (various cancers)

5. Pharmacogenomics:

   • Testing of genetic factors that affect drug response (e.g., clopidogrel, warfarin)