In the field of molecular diagnostics, custom panels have emerged as an essential tool for targeted detection of nucleic acids. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) has been widely used to detect and quantify viral, bacterial, and genetic targets. However, commercial panels may not always satisfy the specific testing requirements of a particular molecular laboratory. Therefore, custom panels are gaining attention due to their ability to tailor testing for individual laboratories. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of using customized targets for RT-PCR, and how Jant Pharmacal can assist in designing and manufacturing custom pre-plated RT-PCR panels tailored to your needs.
Benefits of Custom Panels
Custom panels are designed to cater to the specific testing needs of individual laboratories. These panels are made up of a set of primers and probes that are designed to amplify and detect specific nucleic acid sequences. The selection of target genes or sequences is based on the specific disease or condition being tested for. The primers and probes are designed to be specific to the target, with minimal cross-reactivity with other genetic material.
Reduced Cost
One of the primary benefits of using custom panels is the ability to include only the targets that are necessary for the laboratory’s testing requirements. This reduces the cost and time of testing, as laboratories do not have to test for targets that are not relevant to their patient population. In addition, custom panels can be designed to detect multiple targets within a single assay, which further reduces the time and resources required for testing.
High Sensitivity and Specificity
Several studies have shown the advantages of using custom panels for RT-PCR. A study published in the American Society for Microbiology compared the performance of a commercial panel for respiratory viruses with a custom panel designed for a specific laboratory (M. J. Espy et al. 2006). The study focused on the application of real-time PCR in the clinical microbiology laboratory.
Efficiency
Another study published in the Journal of Medical Virology also demonstrated the value of customized RT-PCR panels in detecting and identifying multiple viral pathogens in clinical samples (Malhotra, B., Swamy, M.A., Reddy, P.V.J. et al. 2016). The researchers admitted that commercially available multiplex RT-PCR kits are very expensive. The aim of this study was to develop a cost effective multiplex RT-PCR for the detection of 18 respiratory viruses and compare it with an in-vitro diagnostics approved Fast Track Diagnostic Respiratory Pathogens 21 Kit. This study was able to highlight the potential of custom RT-PCR panels to enable tailored and targeted pathogen detection and diagnosis, providing an efficient and cost effective approach to molecular diagnostics.
These findings are supported by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (n.d.), which notes the importance of customized assays for accurate detection of target sequences in real-time PCR. The availability of custom RT-PCR panels, pre-plated to be compatible with specific analyzers, offers a valuable resource to researchers in the field of molecular diagnostics.
Custom RT-PCR Panels from Jant Pharmacal
Jant Pharmacal is a leading manufacturer of diagnostic products and can provide custom pre-plated RT-PCR panels tailored to meet individual laboratory needs. The company offers pre-plated panels that can be compatible with various real-time PCR analyzers, and these panels are available in 96-well and 384-well formats. Jant Pharmacal’s RT-PCR panels are designed using state-of-the-art technology to ensure high quality and accurate results. They are optimized for high sensitivity and specificity, which ensures that false positives and false negatives are minimized.
Target selections include the following categories: antibiotic resistance, nail fungus, wound, respiratory, sexual health, and urinary tract infections.
Custom panels have proven to be an effective tool for targeted detection of nucleic acids in various clinical settings. Jant Pharmacal’s custom panels offer several advantages, including the ability to tailor testing to meet the specific needs of a laboratory. In addition, the pre-plated format allows for a faster and more efficient workflow, which saves both time and money.
Save 20% on Custom Panels
Recently, Jant Pharmacal launched a promotion which includes 20% off custom pre-plated panels with the initial order of the qTOWER³ Series Real-Time PCR Thermal Cycler from Jant Pharmacal. The promotion includes the equipment, warranty, and one year of extended Gold Star service (starting year 2). Find out about all the details of the offer and learn more about the qTOWER Promo.
Conclusion
In conclusion, custom panels have revolutionized molecular diagnostics by providing an efficient and cost-effective way to tailor testing to the specific needs of individual laboratories. Jant Pharmacal’s custom panels offer laboratories the ability to customize their testing, ensuring that only the necessary targets are being tested for. This results in better patient outcomes and reduced costs for the laboratory. By partnering with Jant Pharmacal, laboratories can be assured of high quality and accurate RT-PCR panels that are created corresponding to a specialized list of targets, as per each lab’s unique requirements.
Citations
M. J. Espy , J. R. Uhl , L. M. Sloan , S. P. Buckwalter , M. F. Jones , E. A. Vetter , J. D. C. Yao , N. L. Wengenack , J. E. Rosenblatt , F. R. Cockerill III , and T. F. Smith. Real-Time PCR in Clinical Microbiology: Applications for Routine Laboratory Testing
Malhotra, B., Swamy, M.A., Reddy, P.V.J. et al. Evaluation of custom multiplex real – time RT – PCR in comparison to fast – track diagnostics respiratory 21 pathogens kit for detection of multiple respiratory viruses. Virol J 13, 91 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12985-016-0549-8
National Center for Biotechnology Information. (n.d.). Real-Time PCR Handbook. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK21105
United States Food and Drug Administration. (2014). Molecular Diagnostic Instruments with Combined Functions. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/regulatory-information/search-fda-guidance-documents/molecular-diagnostic-instruments-combined-functions
