Fundamentals of Molecular Diagnostics 2007

This textbook presents the current (and near-future) state of affairs of molecular testing as it pertains to the dermatology patient. It focuses on practical applications of molecular diagnostics over a cross-section of dermatologic disease, including melanoma, lymphoma, soft tissue tumors, genodermatoses, and infectious disease. It includes practical advice to those ordering molecular tests as well as to those considering performing such tests, providing a potential template for a comprehensive dermatologic molecular diagnostics test menu. Pitfalls of interpretation and algorithmic approaches to testing are included. The textbook is directed towards all readers – clinicians, pathologists, laboratorians, and other inquisitive minds – independent of their level of molecular expertise, to provoke thought or perhaps even change practice.

The field of molecular biology has revolutionized the study of biology. The applications to medicine are enormous, ranging from diagnostic techniques for disease and genetic disorders, to drugs, to gene therapy.