Diagnostic Architecture: The Science and Utility of In Vitro Diagnostics (IVD)
In Vitro Diagnostics (IVD) refers to medical tests performed on biological specimens—such as blood, urine, or tissue—that have been removed from the human body. Unlike in vivo diagnostics (e.g., MRI or CT scans), which interact directly with the patient, IVDs are conducted "in glass" (test tubes or controlled laboratory environments) to provide critical information about a person’s physiological or pathological state.
Technical Modalities and Disciplines
The field of IVD is diverse, spanning several scientific disciplines:
Molecular Diagnostics: This involves analyzing the genome or proteome. Techniques like Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) detect specific DNA or RNA sequences to identify viral infections or genetic predispositions to cancer.
Clinical Chemistry: These tests measure the levels of chemical substances (analytes) in body fluids, such as glucose, cholesterol, and electrolytes. They are fundamental for monitoring metabolic health and organ function.
