Molecular Methods

Many types of genetic tests are now available to medical and research laboratories. These tests typically analyze changes in genes, chromosomes, or proteins. Molecular tests look for changes in genes (using the DNA [or RNA] - the building blocks - in a genetic code). Targeted variants, single genes, gene panels, and whole genome sequencing are different types of tests contained under the scope of molecular methods.

Several molecular methods have been developed which help to differentiate some of the aerobic actinomycetes obtained from clinical samples. Many of these test methods are not available for routine clinical use. However, the more common techniques in use today (found in research and large reference laboratories) include the use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which will be described in the pages to follow.