5 SPECIAL PROCEDURES A MEDTECH CAN PERFORM 1. Polymerase chain reaction testing - It is a test that identifies the dna or rna sequence of a pathogen through collecting samples to identify the presence of genetic mutations or infectious diseases. This can done through swabbing from the nose or at the back of the throat to get saliva. An example would be the PCR test for COVID-19. It can be also used for detecting other pathogens such as HIV or tuberculosis. 2. Hemoglobinopathy Screening (Hemoglobin Evaluation) - A test that is used to assess whether there is a presence of abnormal forms of hemoglobin and for diagnosis. It is usually a requirement for newborn babies with parents who are at high risk. Variants include thalassemia and the sickle cell disease. 3.Electrophoresis - Procedure that talks about the separation of molecules such as proteins, RNA, and DNA through the use of gel and the charge of the on an electrical field. It can be seen used in forensic science and for diagnosing protein disorders. 4.Flow cytometry - A procedure that collects cell samples from the bone marrow and to be put into a process of antibody sticking. When the sample is suspended in liquid, it will give off a specific color when hit with a laser beam. This is used to help identify cancers. 5. Immunohistochemistry or IHC - It is the usage of antibodies with an activating dye on a tissue sample to detect the presence of certain antigens as well as cell mutations or tumors. It produces very specific test results to ensure accuracy in diagnosis of certain cancers such as in breast cancer, lung cancer, and Prostate cancer. De Pietro Crt, M. (2023, February 10). What to know about PCR tests. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/what-is-pcr-test Helmenstine, A. M., PhD. (2018). Electrophoresis Definition and Explanation. ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/electrophoresis-definition-4136322 Haemoglobin variants. (2023, June 20). https://labtestsonline.org.uk/tests/haemoglobinopathyevaluation Heywood, A. L. (2023, April 3). What is immunohistochemistry staining? Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/cancer/immunohistochemistry
