Many types of genetic tests are now available to medical and research laboratories. These tests typically analyze changes in genes, chromosomes, or proteins. Molecular tests look for changes in genes (using DNA [or RNA]—the building blocks of a genetic code). Targeted variants, single genes, gene panels, and whole genome sequencing are different types of tests that fall under the scope of molecular methods.
Several molecular methods have been developed that help differentiate some of the aerobic actinomycetes obtained from clinical samples. Many of these test methods are not available for routine clinical use. However, the more common techniques in use today (found in research and large reference laboratories) include polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which will be described in the pages to follow.
