Preanalytical Challenges of Molecular Microbiology Tests

Clin Lab Med. 2024 Mar;44(1):33-43. doi: 10.1016/j.cll.2023.10.007. Epub 2023 Nov 13.

Abstract

As infectious disease diagnostics increasingly incorporates molecular techniques, there are unique preanalytical concerns that must be considered. First, noninvasive specimen types that may be inadequate for culture-based diagnostics may be acceptable when using molecular tests. Second, specimen containers must be evaluated for the presence of substances that may interfere with amplification or sequencing reactions. Finally, the capacity of transport, storage, and processing conditions to maintain nucleic acid integrity and avoid contamination must be assessed. This review explores these issues and the effects they may have on result quality.

Keywords: DNA/RNA storage; Preanalytical; Specimen collection device; Specimen processing; Specimen type.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Microbiological Techniques*
  • Specimen Handling* / methods