Back
to BiopharmaceuticalGlossaries.com
You are here Biopharmaceutical/
Genomic
glossary
Homepage/Search >Applications > Molecular Medicine >Genetic
testing Molecular
diagnostics, genetic & genomic testing glossary & taxonomy
Chemistry
term index Drug
discovery term
index Informatics term index Technologies
term index Biology term index
Guide to terms in these
glossaries
Site Map Ethics For
diagnostics, tests based on genes (mutations, SNPs), gene expression profiles
and protein biomarkers are being added to the more standard diagnostics of
clinical chemistry or immunoassays. Cambridge Healthtech Drug Discovery Map http://www.healthtech.com/drugdiscoverymap.asp
$1,0000 genome:
The
cost of DNA sequencing might not matter in a few years,” says the Broad
Institute’s Chad Nusbaum. “People are saying they’ll be able to sequence
the human genome for $100 or less. That’s lovely, but it still could cost you
$2,500 to store the data, so the cost of storage ultimately becomes the limiting
factor, not the cost of sequencing. We can quibble about the dollars and cents,
but you can’t argue about the trends at all.” But
these issues look relatively trivial compared to the challenge of mining a
personal genome sequence for medically actionable benefit. Stanford’s chair of
bioengineering, Russ Altman, points out that not only is the cost of sequencing
“essentially free,” but the computational cost of dealing with the data is
also trivial. “I mean, we might need a big computer, but big computers exist,
they can be amortized, and it’s not a big deal. But the interpretation of the
data will be keeping us busy for the next 50 years.” Or as Bruce Korf, the
president of the American College of Medical Genetics, puts it: “We are close
to having a $1,000 genome sequence, but this may be accompanied by a $1,000,000
interpretation.” The road to the $1,000 Genome Sept 2010 http://www.bio-itworld.com/2010/09/28/1Kgenome.html
ADAPT Analyte
Specific Reagents (ASRs):
"antibodies, both polyclonal and monoclonal, specific receptor proteins,
ligands, nucleic acid sequences, and similar reagents which, through specific
binding or chemical reaction with substances in a specimen, are intended for use
in a diagnostic application for identification and quantification of an
individual chemical substance or ligand in biological specimens." Classification
information for ASRs can be found in 21
CFR 864. 4020(a)12.
Overview of IVD regulation, FDA, CDRH http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/DeviceRegulationandGuidance/IVDRegulatory analytical sensitivity: The proportion of persons with a disease
genotype who test positive. [Enhancing the oversight of genetic tests:
Recommendations of the SACGT, Secretary's Advisory Committee on Genetic
Testing, June 2000 http://www4.od.nih.gov/oba/sacgt/reports/oversight_report.pdf
Related terms: clinical sensitivity
and sensitivity.
Labels, Signaling & Detection
analytical specificity:
The proportion of persons without a disease
genotype who test negative. Enhancing the oversight of genetic tests:
Recommendations of the SACGT, Secretary's Advisory Committee on Genetic
Testing, June 200 http://www4.od.nih.gov/oba/sacgt/reports/oversight_report.pdf
Related terms:
clinical specificity
and specificity
But note that IUPAC (in a provisional recommendation) prefers the term
"selectivity" instead of specificity, citing the many papers in
which the two are used interchangeably. "This is very unfortunate as specificity
is considered as an absolute term, and cannot be graded. [IUPAC Analytical
Chemistry Division, Commission on General Aspects of Analytical Chemistry
Provisional Recommendations "Selectivity in Analytical Chemistry. Recommendations
for its use" Feb. 27, 2001] http://www.iupac.org/reports/provisional/abstract01/vessman_300901.html
camera pill:
http://www.popsci.com/node/19963
Google = abut 1630 May 8, 2003;
about 2,160 June 10, 2004; about 15,500 Nov 10, 2006 Also known as "video
pill", "capsule endoscope" WordSpy http://www.wordspy.com/
June 26, 2003
cancer diagnostics: Cancer
carrier testing:
Performed to determine whether an individual
carries one copy of an altered gene for a particular recessive disease.
Enhancing the oversight of genetic tests: Recommendations of the SACGT,
Secretary's Advisory Committee on Genetic Testing, June 2000 http://www4.od.nih.gov/oba/sacgt/reports/oversight_report.pdf
The [American College of Medical Genetics'] [Sub]Committee [on cystic
fibrosis [CF] carrier screening] recommends that CF carrier screening be offered to
non- Jewish Caucasians and Ashkenazi Jews, and made available to other ethnic and racial groups who will be informed of their detectability through educational brochures, the informed consent process,
and/ or other efficient methods. For example, Asian- Americans and Native-
Americans without significant Caucasian admixture should be informed of the rarity of the disease and the very low yield of the test in their respective populations. Testing should be made available to
African- Americans, recognizing that only about 50% of at- risk couples will be detected. An educational brochure and a consent form which recites this information as well as a
sign- off for those choosing not to be tested after reading these materials is being prepared by the Working Group on Patient Education and Informed Consent. We recommend that preconception testing be encouraged whenever possible, although we recognize that for practical purposes, testing will often occur in the prenatal
setting. Wayne W. Grody et. al. "Laboratory Standards and Guidelines for
Population- based Cystic Fibrosis Carrier Screening"
Genetics in Medicine 3 (2): 149-154 March/ April 2001
It will be interesting to see how many people opt for carrier testing, given
this recommendation. Related terms:
molecular genetic testing, preconception testing, prenatal diagnosis clinical sensitivity: The proportion of persons with a disease
phenotype who test positive. Enhancing the oversight of genetic tests:
Recommendations of the SACGT, Secretary's Advisory Committee on Genetic
Testing, June 2000 http://www4.od.nih.gov/oba/sacgt/reports/oversight_report.pdf
Related term: analytical sensitivity.
clinical specificity:
The proportion of persons without a disease
phenotype who test negative. Enhancing the oversight of genetic tests:
Recommendations of the SACGT, Secretary's Advisory Committee on Genetic
Testing, June 2000 http://www4.od.nih.gov/oba/sacgt/reports/oversight_report.pdf
Related
term: analytical specificity
combination
therapies: Drug discovery &
development May refer to drug/diagnostic or drug/device as
well as drug/drug combinations
commercialization
molecular diagnostics: Roadmap for Accelerating Commercialization of Molecular
Diagnostic DVD August 23, 2010
companion
diagnostics: Companion Diagnostics August 22-23, 2012 •
Washington, DC Program | Register | Download Brochure Assays (a test or
measurement) intended to assist physicians in making treatment decisions for
their patients. They do so by elucidating the efficacy and/or safety of a
specific drug or class or drugs for a targeted patient group or
sub-groups. Targeted and tailored therapies and companion diagnostics are
two pillars of personalized medicine. For diagnostics to be successfully
integrated into clinical practice, several parties need to work collaboratively,
including a diagnostic partner and a pharmaceutical partner, as well as
regulators, clinicians and, not to be forgotten in haste, patients.
One trend in genetic
diagnostics and therapeutics is to become increasingly intertwined.
Companion diagnostics
identify subsets of patients who would benefit from a specific drug. computer aided diagnosis CAD:
A real-time quantitative analysis workstation with functionality to evaluate
multi-modality breast images could facilitate earlier and more accurate
diagnosis and improve evaluation of the effectiveness of treatment plans,
according to a presentation in the quantitative
imaging reading room showcase at RSNA 2010. Health Imaging & IT 2010 http://www.healthimaging.com/index.php?option=com_articles&article=25490&publication=8&view=portals A
general term used for a variety of artificial intelligence techniques applied to
medical images. CAD methods are being rapidly developed at several academic and
industry sites, particularly for large- scale breast, lung, and colon cancer
screening studies. X-ray imaging for breast, lung and colon cancer
screening are good physical and clinical models for the development of CAD
methods, related image database resources, and the development of common metrics
and methods for evaluation. For large- scale screening applications CAD methods
are an important for: (a) improving the sensitivity of cancer detection, (b)
reducing observer variation in image interpretation, (c) increasing the
efficiency of reading large image arrays, (d) improving efficiency of screening
by identifying suspect lesions or identifying normal images, and (e)
facilitating remote reading by experts (e.g., telemammography).
Image processing tools are also being
developed for temporal analysis of serial images, with the aim of detecting
early subtle changes that might not be obvious to the reading physician.
Temporal analysis requires additional consensus on the development of reference
standards (electronic ground truth), software modules for registration of serial
images and related image segmentation. In addition, CAD techniques can improve
the specificity of cancer detection by assigning a quantitative estimate of the
probability that a detected lesion is benign or malignant. Another promising
application of CAD is predicting which cases are most suitable for a particular
treatment option. NEW NCI INITIATIVES IN COMPUTER AIDED DIAGNOSIS, Laurence
P. Clarke, National Cancer Institute, http://www3.cancer.gov/bip/spieppr.htm
Google = about 72,800 May 8, 2003 "designer
babies": Steven Pinker,
Human Nature and Its Future, 2003 http://bioethics.georgetown.edu/pcbe/transcripts/march03/session3.html
Not as inevitable as many people seem to think.
diagnosis:
Allen Roses, worldwide director of genetics for Glaxo
Wellcome [now Glaxo SmithKline] notes that “precise diagnoses leading to universal specific treatments
are, for many illnesses, myths... for many diseases there is no accurate,
single diagnostic test” . A.D. Roses “Pharmacogenetics and future drug
development and delivery” Lancet 355 (9212):1358-61 Apr 15, 2000 diagnostics:
For diagnostics, tests based on
genes (mutations, SNPs), gene expression profiles and protein
biomarkers are
being added to the more standard diagnostics of clinical chemistry or
immunoassays. CHI’s Drug Discovery and Development Map http://www.healthtech.com/drugdiscoverymap.asp
Diagnostics almost
always precede therapeutics, and there are many unmet medical needs, for which no good
therapeutics are yet available. Related terms: biomarkers
Narrower terms: molecular diagnostics, molecular
pathology, point of care diagnostics, research diagnostics;
Nanoscience & Miniaturization
DNA diagnostics
- miniaturization
digital pathology: A
dynamic, image-based environment that enables the acquisition, management and
interpretation of pathology information generated from a digitized glass slide.
Often used interchangeably with “Virtual Microscopy.” Glossary of Terms,
Digital Pathology Association https://digitalpathologyassociation.org/glossary-of-terms_1
direct to consumer
DTC genetic testing:
The current
marketplace for direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic testing is very dynamic and
fluid. At least 42 DTC genetic testing companies have been identified to date,
and additional market entrants are likely. Firms marketing and selling genetic
tests DTC have numerous factors to consider. This report focuses on
health-related decision-making applications of DTC genetic tests and examines
various components of this emerging business environment: Insight Pharma
Reports, Direct
to Consumer Genetic Testing, 2009
familial cancer: Cancer genomics
family history: Interpreting family histories can be complicated by many factors, including
small families, incomplete or erroneous family histories and particularly by
variable penetrance and the current lack of real understanding of
the multiple genes involved in polygenic diseases. Family risk is often
cited in terms of absolute number of affected relatives with a disease,
when (particularly in larger families) the ratio of affected to non- affected
relatives may be a more telling statistic. Interpreting statistics
and risk factors are no easy tasks under any circumstances, much less one
as potentially significant as genetic testing. Related term: sporadic cancer
General
Purpose Reagent (GPR): "a chemical reagent that has general laboratory
application, is used to collect, prepare, and examine specimens from the human
body for diagnostic purposes, and is not labeled or otherwise intended for a
specific diagnostic application …[General purpose reagents] do not include
laboratory machinery, automated or powered systems." Classification
information for GPRs can be found in 21
CFR 864.4010(a)11.
Overview of IVD regulation, FDA, CDRH http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/DeviceRegulationandGuidance/IVDRegulatory genetic counseling:
The
Genetic Counseling Definition Task Force of the National Society of Genetic
Counselors (NSGC) developed the following definition of genetic counseling that
was approved by the NSGC Board of Directors: Genetic counseling is the process
of helping people understand and adapt to the medical, psychological and
familial implications of genetic contributions to disease. This process
integrates the following: Interpretation of family and medical histories to
assess the chance of disease occurrence or recurrence. Education about
inheritance, testing, management, prevention, resources and research. Counseling
to promote informed choices and adaptation to the risk or condition.
A new definition of Genetic Counseling: National Society of Genetic
Counselors' Task Force report. National Society of Genetic Counselors' Definition Task Force, Resta R, Biesecker BB, Bennett
RL, Blum
S, Hahn
SE, Strecker
MN, Williams
JL. J Genet
Couns. 2006 Apr;15(2):77-83. A short-term educational counseling process
for individuals and families who have a genetic disease or who are at risk
for such a disease. Genetic counseling provides patients with information
about their condition and helps them make informed decisions. NHGRI Related term: risk communication
genetic discrimination:
Cindy Pelligrini, legislative director for
Rep. Louise Slaughter (New York) as part of a roundtable discussion on genetic
discrimination said "It's Rep. Slaughter's view that all of us are ultimately
uninsurable. The more that we learn about our genes, everyone has enough genetic flaws that we're anywhere from
5- 30 or 5- 50 depending who
you are listening to, genetic flaws that predispose you to major, severe illnesses at some point in your lifetime.
And so really what we are doing right now by allowing discrimination to happen is punishing the people with the bad luck to have the genes we
have discovered first." [Dept. of Health and Human Services, National Committee on Vital and Health Statistics, Subcommittee on Privacy and Confidentiality,
transcript, November 29, 2000] http://ncvhs.hhs.gov/001129tr2.htm Francis
Collins, director of the National Institute for Human Genome Research, speaking at
an American Association for the Advancement of Science event on the day Bill Clinton signed an executive order prohibiting federal government agencies from obtaining
genetic information from employees or job applicants or from using genetic information in hiring and promotion
decisions noted "But genetic information and genetic technology can be used in ways that are fundamentally unjust. Genetic
information can be used as the basis for insidious discrimination. Already, with but a handful of genetic tests in
common use, people have lost their jobs, lost their health insurance, and lost their economic well being
because of the misuse of genetic information. It is estimated that all of us carry dozens of glitches in our DNA
- so establishing principles of fair use of this information is important for all of us."
NHGRI in the news, "Dr. Francis Collins, Director of NHGRI, Applauds President Clinton's Action to Protect Federal Workers From Genetic Discrimination"
Feb. 8, 2000 http://www.genome.gov/10002345 I'd
be very interested to hear of references in the scientific literature to back up
the quantitative estimates of individual genetic flaws. The only one I've
found is DL Halligan, PD Keightley, How many lethal alleles?
Trends in Genetics 19(2): 57- 59, Feb. 2003 Related terms: "good genes", "bad genes" genetic enhancement:
The use of genetic methodologies to improve functional capacities of an organism rather than to treat disease.
MeSH, 2002 The subject of much discussion and concern over the
ethics
of,
though new disease diagnoses, treatments (and concepts of "disease") are much
closer than true genetic enhancements. The popular conception of selective
breeding focuses on optimization of one or a very few traits (which produces
tomatoes which ship well but have no taste, and purebred dogs with congenital hip
dysplasia. Little attention has been paid to the tradeoffs (predictable and not)
inevitable among polygenic traits. "Regression to the mean"
also factors in. While two tall or two bright people tend to have children who
are taller or brighter than average, they are NOT usually taller or brighter
than the parents are. Only microbes with their greatly enhanced opportunities
for evolving (with such short reproductive spans) seem to quickly get reliably
bigger, better (in a sense) and stronger. Biological homeostasis is incredibly
powerful. We may never be able to "enhance" complex traits such as
intelligence or strength. But we need to learn how to talk about these
issues -- preferably before actually being able to actually implement
genetic enhancement. Related term: designer babies
Beyond therapy:
(enhancement), US President's Council on Bioethics
http://bioethics.georgetown.edu/pcbe/topics/beyond_index.html genetic privacy:
Genetics Privacy and
Legislation, HGMIS, DOE, US http://www.ornl.gov/TechResources/Human_Genome/elsi/legislat.html
genetic screening:
Testing a population group to identify a subset
of individuals at high risk for having or transmitting a specific genetic
disorder. [NHGRI]
genetic
susceptibility: Genetic susceptibility is
a very broad term because not only does it describe genetic mutations that
convey high levels of predisposition affecting a small proportion of the
population, like BRCA1/2 mutations for breast cancer, but it also includes the
huge number of unidentified genetic variations that are much more common in the
population but convey lower levels of risk and often involve interaction with
specific exposures in the environment. New tumors in cancer survivors, National
Cancer Institute, Benchmarks 7 (1) : 2, 2007 http://www.cancer.gov/newscenter/benchmarks-vol7-issue1/page2
Broader term:
susceptibility
genetic test:
An analysis performed on human DNA, RNA, genes
and/or chromosomes to detect heritable or acquired genotypes, mutations,
phenotypes, or karyotypes that cause or are likely to cause a specific
disease or condition. A genetic test also is the analysis of human proteins
and certain metabolites, which are predominantly used to detect heritable
for acquired genotypes, mutations or phenotypes. The purposes of
these genetic tests include predicting risks of disease, screening of newborns,
directing clinical management, identifying carriers, and establishing prenatal
or clinical diagnoses or prognoses in individuals, families or populations.
Tests that are used primarily for other purposes, but that may contribute
to diagnosing a genetic disease (e.g. blood smear, certain serum chemistries),
would not be covered by this definition. Also excluded from the definition
are tests conducted exclusively for forensic identify purposes.
Enhancing
the oversight of genetic tests: Recommendations of the SACGT, Secretary's
Advisory Committee on Genetic Testing, June 2000 http://www4.od.nih.gov/oba/sacgt/reports/oversight_report.pdf
Currently there is no
uniform or comprehensive system to assess the analytic and clinical validity of
tests before they are offered to patients, and there are no laboratory standards
that specifically address molecular genetic testing or require uniform
proficiency testing procedures for them. ... The Department of Health and Human
Services (HHS) agencies involved in current genetic testing oversight include:
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the Food and Drug
Administration (FDA), the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and the Office for
Human Research Protections. Currently, three statutory and regulatory
mechanisms, which all fall under the purview of agencies within HHS, govern
genetic tests: The Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA),
the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act and other regulations for protecting
human subjects of research. Who regulates genetic tests? Audrey Huang,
Shawna Williams, Genetics & Public Policy Center, 2007 http://www.dnapolicy.org/policy.issue.php?action=detail&issuebrief_id=10
Genomic Screening and Diagnosis February 21-23, 2012 • San
Francisco, CA Program | Register | Download Brochure germ cells:
Reproductive cells in multicellular organisms. Unified Medical Language System,
National Library of Medicine, US http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/ghr/glossary/germcells
germline mutation:
A gene change in the body's reproductive cells
(egg or sperm) that becomes incorporated into the DNA of every cell
in the body of offspring; germline mutations are passed on from parents
to offspring. Also called hereditary mutation. Cancernet (NCI) Dictionary
of Cancer Terms, 2000 http://cancernet.nci.nih.gov/dictionary/dictionarya-g.html#g
Current genetic tests focus on germline
mutations. Related term: somatic cell
GINA Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genetic_Information_Nondiscrimination_Act
"good genes", "bad genes":
"There are no
'good' genes or 'bad' genes, there are merely networks that exist at various
levels and at various connectivities, and at different states of sensitivity to
perturbation," concluded Venter, Celera's president and chief scientific
officer. "The notion that one gene equals one disease, or that one gene
produces one key protein, is flying out the window." Science Hosts Press
Event to Announce Sequencing of Human Genome, Science News Archives, 2001 http://www.aaas.org/news/releases/2001/human.shtml We
now have glimpses of the concept that genes that confer advantages at one time
in a person's life may have adverse effects as well. One of the best known
examples is heterozygotes for sickle cell anemia being less susceptible to
malaria (while homozygotes express the disease). Another possible example is APOE-4, associated with Alzheimer's disease, which may be correlated with a decreased
risk of kidney damage following heart bypass surgery. Gene knockouts
in model organisms have demonstrated that
the absence of many genes may have no apparent
effect upon phenotypes (though stress situations may reveal specific
susceptibilities). Other single knockouts may have a catastrophic effect upon the
organism, or be lethal so that the organism cannot develop at all.
Human Genetics Commission:
We are the UK Government's advisory body on new
developments in human genetics and how they impact on individual lives. We give
the Government advice on human genetics with a particular focus on the social,
ethical and legal issues. Human Genetics Commission, UK http://www.hgc.gov.uk/Client/index.asp?ContentId=1
in
vitro
diagnostic multivariate index assays IVDMIAs:
emerging diagnostic vehicles growing in popularity for a wide variety of
illnesses; in fact, many experts estimate that over 200 of these tests are in
the development pipeline. IVDMIAs harness multiple molecular and non-molecular
markers to produce a diagnostic, prognostic and/or predictive index (value) for
a patient. IVDMIA, College of American Pathologists 2010 http://www.cap.org/apps/cap.portal?_nfpb=true&cntvwrPtlt_actionOverride=%2Fportlets%2FcontentView...mmittees%2Ftechnology%2Fivdmia.html&_state=maximized&_pageLabel=cntvwr
Draft Guidance for
Industry, Clinical Laboratories and FDA Staff, In Vitro Diagnostic Multivariate
Index Assays, CDRH, FDA, 2007 http://www.fda.gov/downloads/MedicalDevices/DeviceRegulationandGuidance/GuidanceDocuments/ucm071455.pdf
in vitro
diagnostics: Tests that can detect diseases, conditions, or infections. Some
tests are used in laboratory or other health professional settings and other
tests are for consumers to use at home. CDRH-Office
of In Vitro Diagnostic Device Evaluation and Safety, FDA http://www.fda.gov/medicaldevices/productsandmedicalprocedures/invitrodiagnostics/default.htm In
vitro diagnostic products are those reagents, instruments, and systems intended
for use in diagnosis of disease or other conditions, including a determination
of the state of health, in order to cure, mitigate, treat, or prevent disease or
its sequelae. Such products are intended for use in the collection, preparation,
and examination of specimens taken from the human body. [21
CFR 809.33]
Overview of IVD regulation, FDA, CDRH http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/DeviceRegulationandGuidance/IVDRegulatoryAssistance/ucm123682.htm
infectious
diseases diagnostics: Molecular Diagnostics
for Infectious Disease
August 22-23, 2012 • Washington, DC Program | Register | Download Brochure medical genetics :
The ACMG provides education, resources and a voice for the medical genetics
profession. To make genetic services available to and improve the health of the
public, the ACMG promotes the development and implementation of methods to
diagnose, treat and prevent genetic diseases. American College of Medical Genetics, Mission Statement,
2001-2007 http://www.acmg.net/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Mission_Statement&Template=/CM/HTMLDisplay.cfm&ContentID=2103
medical genomics:
Term that is sometimes used interchangeably with clinical genomics. For the
purposes of this report, medical genomics refers to any application of genomics
to medicine, which includes preclinical as well as clinical applications.
Those areas of medical genomics that occur in laboratory or clinical settings
would therefore be considered a type of clinical genomics. CHA Cambridge
Healthtech Advisors, Clinical
Genomics: The Impact of Genomics on Clinical Trials and Medical Practice
report, 2004 Google = about 2,030 Mar. 10, 2003;
about 6,050 June 10, 2004 molecular diagnostics:
Industry-leading growth rates, expanding applications and innovation
characterize the molecular diagnostics sector. This report presents a synthesis
of these developments including the increased diversity of assay targets,
emergence of new and proposed point of care (POC) products, the appearance of
sequencing-based assays that could fundamentally alter the field and automated
low-density microarray-based assays. Insight Pharma Reports: Molecular
Diagnostics: Double Digit Growth Anticipated 2011
Molecular diagnostic
tools are driving innovation and investment, shaping a core business area in
biotech, pharma and device companies. The shift toward developing diagnostic
platforms comes from the advances in sequencing, microarrays, and microfluidics.
The availability of new sequencing platforms and point-of-care assays will
stimulate the growth in the field by providing greater speed, convenience and
sensitivity, leading to improved outcomes and greater cost savings. Molecular Diagnostics Summit Europe
October 11-13, 2011 • Hannover
Germany Program
| Register
| Download Brochure
The Journal of Molecular Diagnostics, the official publication of the
Association for Molecular Pathology, co-published by the American Society for
Investigative Pathology, seeks to publish high quality original papers on
scientific advances in the translation and validation of molecular discoveries
in medicine into the clinical diagnostic setting, and the description and
application of technological advances in the field of molecular diagnostic
medicine. The editors welcome for review articles that contain: novel
discoveries or clinicopathologic correlations including studies in oncology,
infectious diseases, inherited diseases, predisposition to disease, or the
description or polymorphisms linked to disease states or normal variations; the
application of diagnostic methodologies in clinical trials; or the development
of new or improved molecular methods for diagnosis or monitoring of disease or
disease predisposition. Scope Note Journal of Molecular
Diagnostics, Association for Molecular Pathology http://www.journals.elsevierhealth.com/periodicals/jmdi/aims
"The term molecular diagnostics has a relatively narrow clinical
definition, namely, the use of nucleic acids as analytes in assays designed to
investigate given disease states." Review by Charles P. Cartwright of Molecular
Diagnosis of Infectious Diseases by U. Reischl, Humana Press, 1998,
American Journal of Clinical Pathology Archive. Is this changing?
Broader term: diagnostics
Related terms: companion diagnostics, molecular pathology; microarrays
Narrower terms: next generation diagnostics, Point of Care Diagnostics
Google = about 70,200 June 10, 2004, about 244,000
Aug. 22, 2005; about 824,000 Nov. 10, 2006; about 1,566,000 Nov 13, 2009
molecular
diagnostics - cancer: Cancer genomics
& diagnostics
Molecular
Diagnostics Informatics April
25-26, 2012 • Boston, MA Program | Register | Download
Brochure
molecular
diagnostics non-invasive: Next-Generation Non-Invasive Molecular Diagnostics September 19-21, 2012
• Washington, DC Program | Register | Download Brochure molecular diagnostics techniques: MOLECULAR BIOLOGY techniques used in the diagnosis of disease. Included are such techniques as IN SITU HYBRIDIZATION of chromosomes for CYTOGENTIC ANALYSIS; OLIGONUCLEOTIDE ARRAY SEQUENCE ANALYSIS of
gene expression patterns in disease states; identification of pathogenic organisms by analysis of species specific DNA sequences; and detection of
mutations with PCR (POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION).
MeSH, 2002 molecular pathology:
A subspecialty of pathology concerned with the molecular basis (e.g.,
mutations) of various diseases. MeSH 2010
Next Generation
Pathology February
19-20, 2012 • San Francisco, CA Program | Register | Download
Brochure The collection and analysis of tissue samples is
a long- established technique in pathology. What is new in "molecular
pathology" is the emphasis on assessing gene expression
in addition to morphology, and the use of gene expression analysis to validate
large numbers of targets. (However, histochemistry and immunohistochemistry
have been used, for specific proteins, since before the advent of genomics.)
Corporate genomic researchers are increasingly seeking access to human tissue
samples via collaborations with pathology departments at clinical research
institutions. Google = about 147,000
June 10, 2004; about 1,170,000 Nov 10, 2006 Related term: molecular diagnostics
multiplex assays:
Multiplex assays for simultaneously
detecting several biomarkers in a single sample, traditionally used in
discovery proteomics, are becoming popular in clinical diagnostics research.
The range of clinical applications for these assays is broad and includes
autoimmune disease, infectious disease, oncology, cardiology, and
endocrinology testing, as well as metabolomics and toxicology screening. The
anticipated advantage of multiplex assays in clinical diagnostics is the fact
that a panel of several biomarkers has better diagnostic value than a single
analyte. However, some substantial obstacles are in the way of clinical
utility of identified sets of biomarkers.
nanotechnology
in the clinical laboratory setting: The
technology that employs micro fabricated devices for biomedical applications
i.e. using sample and reagents in minute amounts e.g. nanoliter range, has seen
an almost exponential growth. The potential of this technology for analytical
purposes in biomedicine has been demonstrated for immunoassays, the polymerase
chain reaction (PCR), cell isolation, electrophoresis and mass spectrometry.
This technology will also offer large scale screening possibilities for a wide
range of analytes and be applicable outside the traditional laboratory through
the introduction of robust and simplified instruments. The recommendations will
address issues related to traceability of calibrators, transferability of
results and other data performance specifications and quality assessment. IUPAC,
Recommendations for the use of nanotechnology in clinical laboratories, project
number: 2000-014-1-700, 2001 http://www.iupac.org/projects/2000/2000-014-1-700.html personalized
medicine: Molecular medicine
pharmacogenetic
tests: Pharmacogenomics
See also pharmacogenomic
tests
point of care
diagnostics: Enabling Point-of-Care
Diagnostics August
21-22, 2012 • Washington, DC Program | Register | Download Brochure Relative simplification and miniaturization
have moved a number of diagnostic tests from laboratories into doctor's offices
, hospital bedsides and homes. The Dept. of Defense has spent a good deal
of money on developing robust, miniaturized and disposable pathogen diagnostic
instrumentation. Some of these technologies will be as applicable to the
home or clinic as to the detection of bioterrorism.
Point of Care Testing February 19-20, 2012 • San
Francisco, CA Program | Register | Download
Brochure Future of Point-of-Care
Platforms DVD
August 25, 2010 •
point of care
diagnostic technologies:
The Point-of-Care Technologies Research Network (POCTRN)
was created to drive the development of appropriate point-of-care diagnostic
technologies though collaborative efforts that simultaneously merge scientific
and technological capabilities with clinical need. ... Core
functions include Conduct in-house clinical testing of prototype point-of-care
devices, Collaborate with physical scientists, biochemical scientists,
computational scientists, and engineers on exploratory technology development
projects. Complete clinical needs assessments in areas anticipated to advance
the field of point-of-care testing and disseminate this information to the
technology development community. Point of Care TEchnologies Research
NEtwork, NIBIB, NIH http://www.nibib.nih.gov/Research/POCTRN
population
genetics, population genomics: SNPs
and other genetic variations predictive testing:
Determines the probability that a healthy
individual with or without a family history of a certain disease might
develop that disease. Enhancing the oversight of genetic tests: Recommendations
of the SACGT, Secretary's Advisory Committee on Genetic Testing, June 2000 http://www4.od.nih.gov/oba/sacgt/reports/oversight_report.pdf
predisposition, genetic:
Increased susceptibility to a particular disease due to the
presence of one or more gene mutations, and/or a combination of alleles
(haplotype), not necessarily abnormal, that is associated with an increased risk
for the disease, and/or a family history that indicates an increased risk for
the disease. Definition from: GeneTests predisposition test:
A test for a genetic predisposition (incompletely
penetrant conditions). Not all people with a positive test result will
manifest the disease during their lifetimes. Promoting Safe and Effective
Genetic Testing in the United States: Final Report of the Task Force
on Genetic Testing Editors: Neil A. Holtzman, Michael S. Watson,
Sept. 1997 http://www.nhgri.nih.gov/ELSI/TFGT_final/ Related terms: predictive testing, predisposition, susceptibility
preimplantation diagnosis:
Used following in vitro fertilization
to diagnose a genetic disease or condition in a preimplantation embryo.
Enhancing the oversight of genetic tests: Recommendations of the SACGT,
Secretary's Advisory Committee on Genetic Testing, June 2000 http://www4.od.nih.gov/oba/sacgt/reports/oversight_report.pdf
Not a routine procedure, most often used when parents have previously
had a child with a serious genetic illness. Genetic conditions can be
diagnosed in embryos of only eight or even fewer cells, with one or more healthy embryos
reimplanted..
prenatal diagnosis:
Used to diagnose a genetic disease or condition
in a developing fetus. Enhancing the oversight of genetic tests: Recommendations
of the SACGT, Secretary's Advisory Committee on Genetic Testing, June 2000 http://www4.od.nih.gov/oba/sacgt/reports/oversight_report.pdf
Related terms: carrier testing, molecular genetic screening
presymptomatic test:
Predictive testing of individuals with a
family history. Historically, the term has been used when testing for diseases
or conditions such as Huntington's disease where the likelihood of developing
the condition (known as penetrance) is very high is people with a positive
test result. Enhancing the oversight of genetic tests: Recommendations
of the SACGT, Secretary's Advisory Committee on Genetic Testing, June 2000 http://www4.od.nih.gov/oba/sacgt/reports/oversight_report.pdf
Current experience with genetic testing involves only a limited number of
tests involving single genes. Our thinking about genetics is shaped by the
Mendelian model of monogenic disorders with high penetrance (which
tend to be relatively rare). How will we interpret -- and begin to make
decisions about tests involving multiple genes (polygenic) disorders with
varying penetrance. Will we become more aware of various tradeoffs, or
continue to look for silver bullets to "cure" conditions (both acute
and chronic)? Will the level of understanding of both biology and
statistics be sufficient to allow informed public debate? Related
terms: predisposition, susceptibility; Genomics pre-Mendelian
proteomic
diagnostics:
Using proteomics as a tool to
diagnose diseases early on is becoming a very established way of identifying
disease biomarkers. It is important to look beyond the gene expression into the
interaction and functional relationships of expressed proteins and to use this
information for developing new strategies for the prediction and diagnoses of
diseases and their potential treatments.
Proteomic
tools for diagnostics
May 20-21, 2008 • Boston, MA Order CD
research diagnostics:
Hard to predict the speed at which
these will move into the clinic. The growing momentum of genomics and molecular analysis has enormous promise for earlier and non (or less)
invasive diagnostics, novel therapeutics and more precise prognoses in cancer, cardiovascular and infectious diseases. Improved patient stratification holds the allure of faster, smaller clinical trials and fewer adverse effects for patients. Advances in gene sequencing and analysis have made these processes higher throughput, more scaleable and reproducible. GeneTests
http://www.genetests.org/ lists
March 17 2011 530 GeneReviews, 1,193 clinics, 594 Labs testing for 2,296
diseases 2,030 Clinical 266 Research Only risk communication:
An educational process through which a genetic
counselor attempts to interpret how a genetic condition is inherited and
the chances that it might be passed on to children. NHGRI
SACGT:
Secretary's Advisory Committee on Genetic Testing.
See under genetic
testing.
screening:
Carrying out of a test or tests, examination(s) or
procedure(s) in order to expose undetected abnormalities, unrecognized (incipient) diseases, or defects: examples are mass X-rays and cervical smears.
[IUPAC Tox] Not the same as screening Drug
discovery & development
selectivity: See analytical specificity
sensitivity (in analytical chemistry):
Extent to which a small change in concentration of an analyte can cause a large change
in the related measurement. (Gold, Loening, McNaught and Sehmi, 1987) [IUPAC
Tox]
sensitivity (of a screening test):
Extent (usually expressed as a percentage) to which a method gives results that are free
from false negatives; the fewer the false negatives, the greater the sensitivity.
Quantitatively, sensitivity is the proportion of truly diseased persons in the screened population who are identified as
diseased by the screening test (Galen and Gambino, 1975) Related Term specificity (of a screening test)
[IUPAC Tox] Related terms: analytical sensitivity, clinical sensitivity
sex selection:
President's Council on
Bioethics, http://bioethics.georgetown.edu/pcbe/topics/sex_index.html
somatic cells:
All body cells, except the reproductive
cells. Somatic gene mutations (such as those caused by sun damage or radiation) are not inherited. Related terms: germline mutation, susceptibility.
specificity: See analytical specificity, clinical specificity susceptibility:
This large diversity in responsiveness among
individuals to environmental toxicants makes it difficult to determine
actual risks, particularly at the low doses to which most people are exposed.
Opportunities now exist for studies of genetic susceptibility for cancer
and other diseases in which an environmental component can be presumed.
Knowledge from such studies could, in the future, allow markers of genetic
susceptibility to be incorporated into epidemiologic studies. This, in
turn, would permit adjustment of interpretation of results to account
for genetic susceptibility, thus greatly enhancing the sensitivity and
power of these studies to detect environmental components of important
diseases. Other projects being considered are a nutrition initiative to
determine how nutritional status alters disease susceptibility, and development
of transgenic mice that carry important environmental response gene.
NIEHS
Strategic Plan 2000 "Individual susceptibility", National Institute of
Environmental Health Sciences, US, March 2000 http://www.niehs.nih.gov/external/plan2000/suscptblty.htm
Susceptibility seems essentially synonymous
with predisposition. Are there differences? Narrower term:
genetic susceptibility Related terms: genetic
screening, predisposition test, predictive test, risk communication; Pharmacogenomics
toxicogenomics See also drug
safety & pharmacovigilance
theranostics:
"A
tremendous amount of discovery and clinical development for new drugs involves
clinical trials that include companion diagnostic tests," asserts Brian
Buxton, co-founder of Easton Associates. "These ‘theranostic’ tests are
poised to become a major factor in the future worldwide in vitro diagnostic
testing market" BioIT World, March 2006 See
also pharmacodiagnostics
tissue
based diagnostics: Tissue-based
diagnostics testing remains the cornerstone of diagnosis of a number of diseases
and conditions, in particular cancer. Its ability to capture the biological
nature of the disease makes tissue analysis a unique diagnostic tool. Within the
past few years, a number of breakthrough technologies emerged in tissue-based
diagnostics, making it more comprehensive as well as less consuming in terms of
time and human resources. Innovative
Tissue-Based Diagnostics June 4-5, 2012 • Philadelphia, PA Program | Register | Download Brochure
Bibliography Other patient and disease related resources: Patient
resources
Diagnostics Conferences http://www.healthtech.com/Conferences/Search.aspx?k=&r=&s=BMK How
to look for other unfamiliar terms IUPAC definitions are reprinted with the permission of
the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry.
Evolving Terminologies for Emerging Technologies
Comments? Questions?
Revisions? Mary Chitty mchitty@healthtech.com
Last revised May 20, 2013
<%end if%>
Related glossaries include Biomarkers
Cancer diagnostics, prognostics, genomics &
therapeutics Clinical & Medical
Informatics Clinical trials
Drug
safety & Pharmacovigilance Molecular
Medicine Pharmacogenomics
Regulatory Sequencing
SNPs & other genetic
variations Therapeutic areas including cardiovascular, CNS,
immunology, infectious diseases & inflammation
Kevin Davies $1,000 genome, http://authors.simonandschuster.com/Kevin-Davies/1879979
•
Washington, DC Program | Register | Download Brochure
AMERICAN COLLEGE OF MEDICAL GENETICS Technical
Standards and Guidelines for CFTR Mutation Testing 2006

Amgen, Biomarker
Toolkit: Companion Diagnostics, 2008 http://www.amgen.com/pdfs/misc/vpk_biomarker_diagnostics.pdf
Related terms:
genetic diagnostics, molecular diagnostics; /synonym? Pharmacogenomics
pharmacogenomics Google = about 133
Nov. 3, 2004, about 241 Aug. 22, 2005; about 15,500 Nov 10, 2006
Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer-aided_diagnosis
Related
terms: clinical genomics, diagnostics, disease intervention, diseases,
prognosis
Genetic Discrimination:
Position Paper, Council for Responsible Genetics 2001 http://www.councilforresponsiblegenetics.org/pageDocuments/2RSW5M2HJ2.pdf
Genetic
discrimination in health insurance, NHGRI http://www.genome.gov/10002328
Potential for Genetic Enhancements in Sports,
Dr. Ted Friedmann, Univ. of California- San Diego, Chairman, Recombinant DNA
Advisory Committee, President’s Council on Bioethics, July 11, 2002 Session 4 http://bioethics.georgetown.edu/pcbe/transcripts/jul02/session4.html
genetic testing:
Until now, government sponsored committees convened
to address ‘genetic testing’ have generally limited their definition and
their reports to concerns regarding diseases caused by single gene mutations…
Another class of ‘genetic tests’ is related to pharmacogenetics, including ... variants or other inherited polymorphic traits that are not
diagnostic of disease ... Clear language and differentiation of respective
ethical, legal and societal issues are required to prevent inaccurate vernacular
usage creating a confused public perception. Allen Roses “Pharmacogenetics
and the practice of medicine” Nature 405: 857-865 June 15 2000
Related terms: genetic
counseling, genetic discrimination, risk communication Narrower terms: carrier
testing, genetic screening, genetic test, molecular
genetic testing, newborn screening, predictive testing, predictive
testing, predisposition test, pre-implantation diagnosis, prenatal diagnosis,
presymptomatic test
genomic testing:
Extensive media coverage of genomic discoveries has fueled the public
appetite for personalized medicine and a rush to develop and market new genomic
tests, often without the necessary intervening
research. Public health sciences have an important role in evaluating the
validity and utility of genomic tests, which include not only DNA-based tests
for single gene variants, but complex genotypes, tests for acquired mutations,
and measures of gene expression, from RNA microarrays to biochemical assays.
Before a genomic test can be used for epidemiologic research or clinical
practice, laboratory comparison with a gold standard must demonstrate analytic
validity. Epidemiologic studies are needed to establish clinical validity
(sensitivity, specificity, and predictive value). Research
Priorities for Public Health Sciences in the Post- Genomic Era, Marta Gwinn and Muin
J. Khoury, Centers for Disease Control, US Genetics
in Medicine 4(6): 410- 411, 2002 http://journals.lww.com/geneticsinmedicine/Fulltext/2002/11000/Research_priorities_for_public_health_sciences_in.2.aspx

Molecular Diagnostics
February 21-23, 2012 • San
Francisco, CA Program | Register | Download Brochure



new-born screening:
Performed in newborns in state public health
programs to detect certain genetic diseases for which early diagnosis and
treatment are available. Enhancing the oversight of genetic tests: Recommendations
of the SACGT, Secretary's Advisory Committee on Genetic Testing, June 2000 http://www4.od.nih.gov/oba/sacgt/reports/oversight_report.pdf
next generation
diagnostics: Technological
advances in next generation diagnostics are driving growth and innovation in
healthcare. Rapid and precise diagnosis is essential for personalized medicine
and will change the way value is assessed and compensated in the healthcare
system. Next Generation
Diagnostics Summit
Program | Register | Download Brochure

Personalized Diagnostics:
Personalized Diagnostics February 21-23, 2012 • San
Francisco, CA Program | Register | Download
Brochure


post-genomic,
post-Mendelian: Genomics
preconception testing: See carrier testing, prenatal diagnosis
from the University of Washington and Children's Health System, Seattle via
Genetics Home Reference http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/ghr/glossary/geneticpredisposition
Related
term: susceptibility.
Nov 10, 2006 365 GeneReviews, 1,150 Clinics, 608
Laboratories testing for 1,317 Diseases. 1,024 Clinical, 293 research only
Oct. 15, 2003 had 993 diseases, with 645 clinical tests and 348 research
only.
sporadic cancer: Cancer genomics

XGen
Congress & Expo Program | Register
| Download Brochure
Epigenetics: Exploring
Effects...Environment...Expression Comprehending
Copy Number and Structural Variation: Discovery...Data...Diseases...Diagnostics Targeting Non-Coding RNA:
The Long
and Short of IT Genomic Data Analysis and Interpretation: Turning Data into Knowledge
Abbott Australasia, Abbott Laboratories, Diagnostics Glossary,
http://www.abbottdiagnostics.com/Glossary/index.cfm?alpha=s
Genetics Home Reference Glossary, National Library of Medicine,
NIH, US, 2003, 450+ definitions http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/ghr/glossary/
Enhancing the oversight of genetic tests: Recommendations of the SACGT,
Secretary's Advisory Committee on Genetic Testing, US June 2000 http://oba.od.nih.gov/oba/sacgt/reports/oversight_report.pdf
GeneTests, Children's Hospital, Seattle, US http://www.genetests.org/
A publicly funded medical genetics information resource developed for
physicians, other healthcare providers, and researchers, available at no cost to
all interested persons.
Gene Tests, Q & A, Human Genome Project, Oak Ridge National
Lab, US http://www.ornl.gov/hgmis/medicine/genetest.html
Genetic Alliance http://www.geneticalliance.org/
Includes Online Directory of genetic resources. Coalition of 300+ consumer and
health professional organizations.
Genetics Home
Reference Glossary, National Library
of Medicine, NIH, 2004, 1000+ terms http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/ghr/glossary/Glossary;jsessionid=1EF1DE69A157E1E
Intellihealth: guide to diagnostic tests
Patient
resources
Glossary
of Terms, Digital Pathology Association https://digitalpathologyassociation.org/glossary-of-terms_1
MeSH Medical Subject Headings, PubMed http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/mesh
NHGRI (National Human Genome Research Institute), Talking Glossary of Genetic
Terms, 100+ definitions. http://www.genome.gov/glossary.cfm
Includes extended audio definitions.
Pharmacogenetic tests and genetic tests for inheritable markers: Guidance
for Industry and FDA Staff, CDER, FDA, 2007 http://www.fda.gov/downloads/MedicalDevices/DeviceRegulationandGuidance/GuidanceDocuments/ucm071075.pdf
Policy issues associated with undertaking a new large US Population Cohort
Study of Genes, Environment and Disease, Report of the Secretary's Advisory
Committee on Genetics, Health and Society, March 2007 http://oba.od.nih.gov/oba/sacghs/reports/SACGHS_LPS_report.pdf
Promoting Safe and Effective Genetic Testing in the United States:
Final Report of the Task Force on Genetic Testing Editors: Neil A.
Holtzman, Michael S. Watson, Sept. 1997 Appendix 3.
State Genetic Laws, National Conference of State Legislatures
State of the art of genetic testing in the US: Survey of
biotechnology companies and nonprofit clinical laboratories (1994-1995)
has some interesting observations. http://www.nhgri.nih.gov/ELSI/TFGT_final/
Understanding Gene Testing, Glossary, National Cancer Institute, US, http://www.accessexcellence.org/AE/AEPC/NIH/gene27.php
Accelerating Development & Advancing
Personalized Therapy ADAPT http://www.adaptcongress.com/
Molecular Medicine Tri Conference http://www.triconference.com/
Next Generation Diagnostics http://www.nextgenerationdx.com/
Next Generation Sequencing NGX http://www.chicorporate.com/sqe?c=6911
Diagnostics CDs, DVDs http://www.chicorporate.com/Conferences/CompactDiscs.aspx?s=BMK
Diagnostics Short courses http://www.healthtech.com/Conferences_Upcoming_ShortCourses.aspx?s=BMK
Insight Pharma Reports Biomarkers & Diagnostics http://www.insightpharmareports.com/Reports/All.aspx?s=BMK
Insight Pharma Reports
Approaches
to reducing Clinical Trials Phase II Attrition and improving drug development
productivity:
Insight Pharma Reports, Combination
Drug Diagnostics: Fueling Growth of Personalized Medicine 2010
Insight Pharma Reports Insight Pharma Reports Epigenetic Drug & Diagnostic Pipelines 2010
Alpha
glossary index