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Molecular Infectious Disease / PCR Testing

The PCR-based genetic test identifies the presence or absence of specific pathogen. If any tested bacteria are present in a patient sample, we will perform a reflex antibiotic resistance test (ABR, 44 different antibiotic resistance genes).

 

We provide the results within 24 hours after receipt of the sample. The ABR program helps medical providers doctors antibiotic treatment options with specific pathogens.

What is PCR Testing?

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is a molecular genetic test used in medical diagnostics laboratories for detecting the presence or absence of pathogen-specific genetic sequences (deoxyribonucleic acid, DNA or ribonucleic acid, RNA). This PCR test accurately identifies the cause of infection. This real-time PCR generates thousands of copies of a unique region of genetic sequences specific to a given pathogen from a very small amount of DNA.  Thus, real-time PCR technology allows to differentiate between various pathogens (viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites)

Accurate Testing Leads to Accurate Results

Why consider PCR technique for diagnosis?  The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has discovered 1 in 3 antibiotic prescriptions are unnecessary. Each year in the United States, at least 2 MILLION people become infected with bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics.

Antibiotic resistance happens when germs like bacteria and fungi develop the ability to defeat the drugs designed to kill them. That means the germs are not killed and continue to grow.

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Infections caused by antibiotic-resistant germs are difficult, and sometimes impossible, to treat. In most cases, antibiotic-resistant infections require extended hospital stays, additional follow-up doctor visits, and costly and toxic alternatives.

 

Antibiotic resistance does not mean the body is becoming resistant to antibiotics; it is that bacteria have become resistant to the antibiotics designed to kill them.

Coronavirus Test
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The AIM Laboratories Solution

AIM laboratories provide accurate, comprehensive and rapid diagnostic tests to correctly identify infectious pathogens through the use of very sensitive and specific real-time Open-array platform-based PCR assays.

Streamlined Testing Process

The specimen arrives in our lab and results will be ready within 24 hours. Results are delivered on a one-page summary that provides treatment options.  This test detects the presence of pathogen only and does not detect disease.  Clinically correlate results for significance. 

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AIM Laboratories utilizes molecular genetic tests with TaqMan probe-based fluorescent-Real-Time PCR to detect infectious pathogens in:

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  • Urinary Tract Infections (38 pathogens: 35 bacteria, 1 protozoan and 2 viruses)

  • Respiratory tract infections (44 pathogens: 31 viruses, 12 bacteria and 1 fungus)

  • Women’s reproductive health infections including sexually transmitted disease-causing pathogens (34 pathogens: 31 bacteria, 1 protozoan and 2 viruses)

  • Wound/skin infections (43 pathogens: 34 bacteria, and 9 fungi).

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The sample is administered using a nasal or oral swab to be sent to the laboratory to be processed.

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The sample is collected using one of AIM Labs specialized testing kits and delviered to our lab.

Laboratory Scientist

AIM Labs uses the industry leader ThermoFisher Taqpath PCR machines to test your sample

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AIM Labs provides and easy-to-understand one-page results report in the online portal for the patient and ordering physician.

Nucleic Acids Amplification-Based Tests
(Polymerase Chain Reaction, PCR)

  • Highly specific, sensitive and rapid (<24h TAT)

  • Large number of pathogens can be assayed at one time.

  • Accurately identify antibiotic resistance genes as a reflex test in and therefore can prescribe correct medicine for the first time.

  • Pathogens can be easily identified in a biofilm environment. 

  • PCR is clinically approved (high-complexity test).

Microbial Culture - Biochemical -
Microscopic-Based Tests

  • Ambiguity: requires additional tests

  • Some pathogens are culturable, some require more time to culture and some may not be culturable.

  • Mutations may occur in microbes during in-vitro culture, which may mislead pathogen antibiotic resistance.

  • Some microbes are able to form biofilms which makes it difficult to identify an antibiotic sensitivity using culture-based methods.

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