Abstract
Molecular diagnostics is now commonplace in veterinary research laboratories. The advent of nonradioactive labeling systems has allowed the rapid spread of these techniques into commercial laboratories as well. The use of PCR, nucleic acid probes, and hybridization studies will undoubtedly shape the future of laboratory diagnostics for many infectious, neoplastic, and congenital diseases. Practicing veterinarians must become aware of the basic concepts behind these diagnostic tools. Molecular-based diagnostic tests are soon likely to be commercially available for use in clinical laboratories.
Collapse