The Science of Laboratory Precision: In Vitro Diagnostics (IVD)
In Vitro Diagnostics (IVD) refers to medical tests performed on biological samples—such as blood, urine, or tissue—taken from the human body. Unlike in vivo tests, which occur inside the body (like an MRI), IVD occurs in a controlled environment such as a test tube or culture dish.
Core Methodologies
Molecular Diagnostics: Analyzes biological markers in the genome and proteome by applying molecular biology to medical testing.
Immunodiagnostics: Uses the specificity of antigen-antibody reactions to detect infectious diseases or tumor markers.
Point-of-Care Testing (POCT): Allows for rapid results outside of a central lab, such as bedside glucose monitoring or rapid pathogen screening.
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