New Delhi: In-vitro diagnostics (IVD) are tests performed on biological samples like blood, urine, and tissue to detect diseases, conditions, or infections. IVD plays a fundamental role in identifying diseases early, assessing risks, guiding treatment decisions, and monitoring health, all of which are critical for effective prevention strategies.
In an interaction with News9Live, Dr.Meenakshi Mohan, Consultant Pathologist Neuberg Pulse Diagnostics, Kolkata & Hema N Vasavada, President, Trivitron Healthcare, answered all FAQs about IVD.
Early Detection of Diseases: One of the most significant contributions of IVD is the early detection of diseases, often before symptoms manifest, which is crucial for many conditions where early intervention can lead to better outcomes.
- Cancer Detection: IVD tests like tumor marker assays detect cancer-associated antigens or proteins in the blood. For example:
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA): Used to detect prostate cancer at an early stage.
- CA-125: A marker for ovarian cancer.
- Mammaglobin: Used for breast cancer detection. Early detection allows patients to receive treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy when the disease is most treatable, significantly improving survival rates.
Cardiovascular Diseases: Tests such as lipid profiles, C-reactive protein (CRP), and cardiac troponins are essential in detecting the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Detecting elevated cholesterol levels or inflammation markers early enables the implementation of lifestyle changes or pharmacological interventions.
Screening for At-Risk or Asymptomatic Individuals: IVD plays a central role in preventive health screenings, identifying individuals who are at risk for diseases but show no current symptoms. These tests are essential in large-scale public health initiatives.
Diabetes: The HbA1c test measures blood sugar levels over time and can detect prediabetes. This gives individuals time to modify their diet and exercise habits to prevent the development of type 2 diabetes.
Cervical Cancer: Pap smears and HPV (Human Papillomavirus) DNA tests are essential for detecting precancerous cells and HPV infections, respectively, which can lead to cervical cancer. Early intervention can prevent the progression of cancer.
Colorectal Cancer: Faecal occult blood tests (FOBT) and colonoscopy screening are essential for detecting colorectal cancer in the early stages, even before symptoms appear.
Predictive Risk Assessments: IVD tools can evaluate genetic predispositions and biomarkers to assess the likelihood of developing certain conditions, allowing for targeted preventive measures.
Genetic Testing: IVD tests can assess genetic mutations or markers that predispose individuals to certain diseases. For example:
- BRCA1 and BRCA2: Mutations in these genes significantly increase the risk of breast and ovarian cancers. Individuals with these mutations can opt for increased screening or preventive surgeries.
- APOE Testing: This test helps predict the risk for Alzheimer’s disease, allowing individuals to take steps for cognitive preservation.
- Personalized Medicine: IVD tests guide personalized preventive strategies, tailoring health interventions based on a person’s genetic and biochemical makeup, especially in cancer (e.g., testing for HER2 mutations in breast cancer).
Infectious Disease Control: Infectious diseases can spread rapidly if not identified early. IVD tests enable quick detection and help in containing outbreaks.
- Rapid Testing for Infections: Technologies like PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) allow for the detection of viruses and bacteria in small quantities, even during the early stages of infection. PCR tests for:
- HIV: Detect viral load before antibodies develop, allowing for early treatment to suppress the virus and reduce transmission risk.
- Tuberculosis (TB): PCR helps in the rapid identification of TB strains, enabling timely isolation and treatment.
- COVID-19: PCR and antigen tests help in early diagnosis during the pandemic, helping reduce transmission through timely interventions.
- Hepatitis & Other Viral Infections: Screening for hepatitis B and C enables early diagnosis and management, preventing liver disease progression or cancer.
Monitoring of Chronic Diseases: IVD tests help in the ongoing monitoring of patients with chronic diseases, ensuring that preventive measures or treatments are adjusted as needed to avoid complications or disease progression.
Diabetes Management: Continuous monitoring of glucose levels through IVD tools like HbA1c or home glucose monitoring kits ensures that individuals can maintain optimal control of their blood sugar levels, preventing complications such as neuropathy, kidney failure, or heart disease.
Kidney Function: Regular tests of creatinine levels and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) help monitor kidney function, allowing for early interventions in chronic kidney disease before it progresses to end-stage renal failure.
Cardiac Health Monitoring: Troponin tests and cholesterol level assessments allow for ongoing monitoring of heart disease. For instance, elevated levels of troponin can signal the need for immediate intervention to prevent heart attacks.
Prevention Through Newborn Screening: Newborn screening is a major preventive health application of IVD, identifying genetic or metabolic conditions that can be managed early in life to prevent severe disability or death.
New-born Genetic and Metabolic Screening: Tests like the Guthrie test for phenylketonuria (PKU) or congenital hypothyroidism detect conditions that, if untreated, can cause developmental issues or intellectual disabilities. Early detection allows for prompt treatment, such as dietary modifications or hormone therapy, preventing severe health outcomes.
Public Health Initiatives: IVD tests contribute to public health by allowing the early detection of disease outbreaks and guiding mass screenings for communicable and non-communicable diseases.
Disease Surveillance: IVDs, such as serological testing for HIV or TB, enable large-scale public health surveillance, allowing health authorities to track and respond to outbreaks.
Population Screening: Regular screening for conditions like hypertension, cholesterol, and glucose levels can prevent chronic diseases and reduce the burden on healthcare systems.
Cost-Efficient Prevention: Early diagnosis through IVDs not only improves patient outcomes but also reduces healthcare costs. By preventing disease progression and the need for more expensive, invasive treatments, IVDs help manage healthcare resources more effectively.
Cost-Savings Example: Early detection of diabetes or high blood pressure allows for interventions like lifestyle changes or medications that prevent costly complications like strokes, heart attacks, or kidney disease.
IVD in Precision Medicine: Precision medicine relies heavily on IVD to tailor interventions based on an individual’s molecular profile. Early detection using IVD tests helps implement highly targeted treatments and preventive strategies. IVD tests to determine the genetic mutations in cancers allow doctors to select targeted therapies that are more likely to be effective and reduce the risk of recurrence. By identifying diseases early, IVD allows for timely intervention, improving patient outcomes and preventing diseases from progressing.
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