In the industry there are many available methods, such as Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), Ligase Chain Reaction (LCR), and Transcription-Mediated Amplification (TMA), for detecting infectious disease through molecular diagnostics. The newest bench top analyzers, using Melt Curve Analysis, allow rapid and accurate detection of microorganisms in about an hour.

The following can help you find the appropriate LOINC® method for these techniques:

• RNA or DNA detection without amplification equals LOINC® method of Probe

• PCR, LCR or TMA of either RNA or DNA involving target amplification equals method of Probe.Amp.Tar

• Hybrid Capture or Branched Chain RNA or DNA involving signal amplification equals method of Probe.Amp.Sig

• Currently, Melt Curve Analysis, secondary PCR and other methods that are not single target probe amplification equal LOINC® method Non-Probe.Amp.Tar.  LOINC® is working on further refining and clarifying this method type, thus it may change in the future.

Examples of tests for Cytomegalovirus DNA:

4997-3 Cytomegalovirus DNA [Presence] in Tissue by DNA probe

4996-5 Cytomegalovirus DNA [Presence] in Blood by Probe and target amplification method

28008-1 Cytomegalovirus DNA [Presence] in Blood by Probe and signal amplification method

82189-2 Cytomegalovirus DNA [Presence] in Cerebral spinal fluid by Target amplification with non-probe based detection

As science evolves, so will LOINC®. We have been a proud supporter of LOINC® since its inception and we are the largest contributor of LOINC® terms.  If you have questions, or would like assistance with your LOINC® implementation, please contact us.