A groundbreaking diagnostic tool developed by researchers at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) relies on advanced DNA and RNA sequencing to detect viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites, and other pathogens, shedding light on complex cases traditional diagnostics fail to solve.

Instead of targeting specific substances like proteins or trace genetic material, this test extracts and sequences all the genetic material present in a patient sample, such as blood or tissue, and compares it to a comprehensive pathogen database. This allows doctors to uncover hidden culprits behind severe, unexplained symptoms.

While not designed to replace standard diagnostics for common illnesses like strep throat or COVID-19, the test has proven invaluable in scenarios where patients present with severe conditions, and standard tests yield no answers. Notable successes include diagnosing neurological infections such as meningitis and encephalitis. In a seven-year UCSF study, the test accurately identified the cause of 86% of such infections across more than 4,800 spinal fluid samples.

The technology has also been pivotal in outbreak investigations, highlighting its ability to trace novel viruses that could cause pandemics. It successfully identified yellow fever in organ transplant recipients and pinpointed Fusarium solani, a fungus responsible for a meningitis outbreak linked to surgeries in Mexico. 

However, the test costs around $3,000 per sample and requires specialized laboratories and expertise to interpret results, making it inaccessible to many community hospitals. Moreover, the test is not yet FDA-approved at the time of writing but has been recognized by the federal agency as a "breakthrough device," giving healthcare professionals the pass to use it under special circumstances.

For now, experts emphasize that it is best used alongside conventional methods as a supplementary resource rather than a standalone solution.

Read the full article here to learn more about the innovative genomic test.

Looking for reliable laboratory equipment? BEING Scientific is a global leader in developing high-quality tools that support productivity and innovation, especially in cell culture research. Explore our collection today: https://www.beinglab-usa.com/cell-culture.