The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is often considered the "gold standard" for molecular diagnostics. It is a specific, sensitive and powerful tool that amplifies a tiny sample of genetic material, in the form of DNA or RNA, in a short period of time. Mimics DNA synthesis in vitro. The sensitivity of PCR allows detection of disease even in the smallest signals. Its specificity narrows down the exact location of a change in the DNA sequence. PCR can be used in laboratories for multiple applications. Some examples include forensic DNA fingerprinting, genetic testing, and diagnostics. Within hours doctors can already detect diseases in the PCR product. This is why PCR is considered the Gold Standard for molecular diagnostics. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay There are decentralized diagnostic strategies, such as Point of Care (POC) testing, that accurately obtain real-time, lab-quality diagnostic results in minutes. POCs are easy-to-use diagnostic tests that can be performed in many locations such as one's home, a doctor's office, ambulances, and other various locations at or near the patient and where treatment is provided. The results are fast and allow the patient to receive treatment as quickly as possible without delays. Some examples of POC tests include, but are not limited to; home pregnancy tests, dipstick urinalysis and glucometers for diabetes screening and monitoring. Decentralized diagnostics are much more preferable to central laboratory diagnostics because POC can produce rapid results and, in turn, rapid treatment without causing potential damage to patient samples. Therefore, decentralized diagnostics is sometimes preferable to central diagnostics. The first example of a decentralized PCR diagnostic platform is the Roche cobas Liat PCR system. It is a small, fast, easy to use 3-step system that takes up to 20 minutes, depending on the test used. It features advanced PCR technology that was previously only available to complex molecular laboratories. It can provide accurate results in just 20 minutes and you don't need much training to use it. The cobas Liat system can be used to detect and identify certain diseases which are; Influenza A, Influenza B, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and Streptococcus A. The highly specific and sensitive system, with sensitivity and specificity above at least 94%, also reduces the risk of false negatives and positives. Secondly, there is also the BioFire FilmArray flashlight system. It is a multiplex PCR system consisting of multiple panels to simultaneously test over 80 different groups of pathogens that represent some of the most pressing health challenges in today's time and age. Panels include; a respiratory testing panel for 20 respiratory pathogens, which are primarily viruses and bacteria, a blood culture identification panel testing for 24 pathogens and 3 antibiotic resistance genes associated with bloodstream infections, a gastrointestinal testing panel for 22 pathogens most common gastrointestinal tracts, including bacteria, viruses, parasites, and even protozoa, and a meningitis/encephalitis panel that analyzes cerebrospinal fluid for the 14 most relevant ME-associated pathogens. It is quick and easy to use, requiring only 2 minutes of hands-on use and an hour of operation. It also has a small footprint that provides up to 6x the productivity per square foot of lab bench space..