qRT-PCR (real-time reverse transcription-PCR) has become the benchmark for the detection and quantification of RNA targets and is being utilized increasingly in novel clinical diagnostic assays. Quantitative results obtained by this technology are not only more informative than qualitative data, but simplify assay standardization and quality management. qRT-PCR assays are most established for the detection of viral load and therapy monitoring, and the development of SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome)-associated coronavirus qRT-PCR assays provide a textbook example of the value of this technology for clinical diagnostics. The widespread use of qRT-PCR assays for diagnosis and the detection of disease-specific prognostic markers in leukaemia patients provide further examples of their usefulness. Their value for the detection of disease-associated mRNA expressed by circulating tumour cells in patients with solid malignancies is far less apparent, and the clinical significance of results obtained from such tests remains unclear. This is because of conceptual reservations as well as technical limitations that can interfere with the diagnostic specificity of qRT-PCR assays. Therefore, although it is evident that qRT-PCR assay has become a useful and important technology in the clinical diagnostic laboratory, it must be used appropriately and it is essential to be aware of its limitations if it is to fulfil its potential.
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October 2005
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Review Article|
September 23 2005
Real-time reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) and its potential use in clinical diagnosis
Stephen A. Bustin
;
*Centre for Academic Surgery, Institute of Cell and Molecular Science, Barts and The London, Queen Mary's School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of London, London E1 1BB, U.K.
Correspondence: Professor Stephen A. Bustin (email s.a.bustin@qmul.ac.uk).
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Reinhold Mueller
Reinhold Mueller
†Stratagene Inc., 11011 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, U.S.A.
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Clin Sci (Lond) (2005) 109 (4): 365–379.
Article history
Received:
March 11 2005
Revision Received:
April 05 2005
Accepted:
April 20 2005
Citation
Stephen A. Bustin, Reinhold Mueller; Real-time reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) and its potential use in clinical diagnosis. Clin Sci (Lond) 1 October 2005; 109 (4): 365–379. doi: https://doi.org/10.1042/CS20050086
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