Molecular Diagnostics: The New Double Edged Sword for the New World Order
- Author Moshe Sharon
- Published September 13, 2010
- Word count 656
The future has arrived. The newest buzz word in medicine is "molecular diagnostics". There isn’t even a standard definition in Wikipedia as yet, but as near as I can ascertain it is an emerging subdivision of medical pathology to identify various substructures in the human genome such as the DNA and RNA molecules from tissue samples or body fluid specimens that serve as identifiers of predispositions to or existence to various types of diseases. Roche Laboratories is already producing and marketing a new test called the "AmpliChip CYP450". This is a test that allows a lab technician to study the DNA and RNA molecules of any patient and predict the rate of metabolism of any drug. This new area of medical technology has enormous implications because it takes the guess-work out of dosage calculation and selection. The physician will know exactly how much medication to prescribe to achieve the ideal therapeutic effect specifically for that patient.
Additionally, researchers are developing ways to perform DNA and RNA analyses to predict whether there would be any allergic reactions or toxic effects to any drug being considered for treatment. In the area of infectious disease, Seegene, a company in South Korea has announce its new multiplex PCR technology which uses DNA analysis to screen for multiple viral and bacterial infections with almost immediate results. As competition heats up in the race to market such innovations with faster and cheaper technology this has enormous implications in screening large numbers of people at airports and other ports of entry in all countries that receive an influx of tourists and immigrants.
In other clinical areas, GenMark has developed four diagnostic tests for use with their XT-8 System, including a Cystic Fibrosis Genotyping Test, Warfarin Sensitivity Test and Thrombophilia Risk Test which have received clearance from the Food and Drug Administration. The latter two test will be useful in selecting the maximum effective dosage of Warfarin (blood thinner) specific to the patient’s DNA to prevent the formation of blood clots in the legs that can lead to pulmonary emboli (blood clots in the lungs), which is a life-threatening condition.
Although there are possibilities for substantially reducing the toxic effects of the trial and error approach in prescribing medications, we are going to be dealing with a double-edged sword. The potential downside to this new technology is DNA profiling. As of now the criminal justice system is using such data bases for convicted sexual predators and other types of convicted felons. However the potential for expanding this type of medical record to the entire population is growing exponentially as the technology becomes cheaper and easier to use. In the not too distant future governments will be able to keep the complete genome profile of hundreds of millions of people recorded in a microchip the size of a shirt button. Certainly, we have privacy laws like HIPPA that are designed to prevent unauthorized access to medical records. On the other hand, federal laws are only as effective as the politicians' will to enforce them. Thus far, the political leaders of this great country have a dismally poor track record in the enforcement department; especially regarding immigration laws.
In conclusion, molecular diagnostics is undoubtedly the next level of cutting-edge medical technology, making for some attractive investment opportunities. However, we the people are also facing a concomitant danger of being subjected to control and abuse by unscrupulous politicians. The new health care law requires funding for setting up a centralized medical records data base. At present patients and doctors can still choose to keep certain private information from being entered in the central files. However, with DNA profiling, there is no way to filter out data that would cause prospective employers to deem an applicant undesirable for medical reasons. As our government continues to gain more control over private enterprise, one has to wonder if molecular diagnostics can also become the next Pandora’s box.
Moshe Sharon, author of "Health Secrets from the Seventh Heaven", has been a registered nurse for 31 years with a graduate degree and specialty in public health. He has spent most his career in search of ways to achieve true healing for those who are not yet well. He has studied and practiced holistic health care for two decades, always believing in the inseparability of the mind, body and spirit.
Article source: https://articlebiz.comRate article
Article comments
There are no posted comments.
Related articles
- The challenge of Cholera today
- The two doctors who made a difference in preventing polio
- What was the Miasma Theory of Disease
- Can Dental Nerve Damage Heal? Understanding Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
- How does pfizer xanax 2mg work ?
- How to deal with painful chilblains on the foot?
- How to treat Severs Disease in the Child's Foot?
- Encouraging Healthy Eating Habits in Children | Practical Tips and Success Stories
- What is sesamoiditis in the foot and what can be done about it?
- Alcohol Consumption: Risks, Influences, and Health Impacts
- Dr. Aaron Cwik DDS inspired by Oral Surgeon Robert Marx
- How to deal with growing pains in the legs of children?
- What is a Durlacher corn on the foot?
- What does the future hole for Alzheimers disease?
- Heel spur & Foot scan treatment
- How can moisture between the toes be treated?
- Butler Family Health Center Unveils New Website to Enhance Patient Experience in Centennial, Colorado Area
- THCa vs. CBD: Difference and Medical Benefits
- What is a Morton's Neuroma in the Foot?
- How to deal with tired and aching feet?
- Why Choose Dental Implants in Bangor for a Perfect Smile
- What is the best treatment for plantar fasciitis in the foot?
- What are the most common cause of problems with the toenails?
- The Importance of Childhood Immunisations for Long-term Health | KinderCure
- Venetoclax Overview
- The importance of childhood vaccinations
- Clavicle fractures; clinical pictures, diagnosis, treatment
- Lessons You Can learn from the fitness class
- Navigating the Stars: A Critical Examination of Medical Astrology
- Fighting the Silent Epidemic: Safeguard Your Child's Future with Vitamin D Screening at KinderCure | Dr. Garima Mengi