Prevention
Detecting diseases before symptoms occur
If there is an increased risk of certain conditions due to genetic factors, family history or lifestyle, laboratory tests can help to detect potential risk factors at an early stage. Disease can be prevented or delayed by timely adjustment of lifestyle and eating habits or by preventive medication.
Below are examples of the added value of laboratory testing for prevention:
Cancer
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Cervical cancer
hrHPV test
The molecular test detects HPV virus infection based on viral DNA. In cervical cancer screening programs, a stepwise screening approach is used. The cervical smear is first tested for hrHPV presence. If the sample is hrHPV-positive, cytological analysis is performed to assess the severity and nature of abnormal cells.
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Colorectal cancer
iFOB test
The fecal sample collected at home is sent to the laboratory where it's examined through hemoglobin (Hb) detection. Hb presence is demonstrated based on an immunochemical reaction with Hb antibodies. A positive iFOB test result leads to an internal examination (colonoscopy) to investigate the presence of a tumor or precursors (polyps). When colorectal cancer is discovered at an early stage, the chance of cure is greater and treatment less intensive.
Although the iFOB test is effective, work is being done on modifications to discover pre-stages and potentially malignant polyps even earlier. The so-called multitarget iFOB test measures not only hemoglobin but also the proteins calprotectin and serpine.
Infections
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Tuberculosis
IGRA blood test
The Interferon Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) can detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) in blood. The test is based on the response of MTB to MTB antigens, which leads to the release of interferon gamma. The released interferon gamma is detected using fluorescence technology.
Key advantages of this blood test compared to the skin test (Mantoux) for detecting latent tuberculosis:
- Standardized laboratory procedure
- Unambiguous test results
- No cross-reactivity with tuberculosis vaccine
- Single patient contact (blood draw only)
General Health Screening and Drug Monitoring
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Antibiotic resistance
MDRO screening
Hospital patients are screened for MultiDrug-Resistant Organisms (MDROs) if they have recently been treated in foreign hospitals or work in intensive livestock farming. Patient samples (anal, sputum, wound fluid, or urine) are collected using swabs and analyzed for microorganism presence. Detection and identification utilize PCR technology and DNA analysis. This method determines within 24 hours whether a patient carries an MDRO and identifies the specific type.
