URINE-BASED DIAGNOSTIC TECHNOLOGIES

The worldwide dissemination of infectious agents has created a demand for simple diagnostic tests. Urine-based testing makes use of non-inva sive collection of specimens, and there is no need for expensive facil ities and equipment, or for highly trained personnel. As urine antibod ies retain activity under normal conditions of transport and storage, such tests appear to have widespread application. Urine-based antibody tests have also indicated a compartmentalized antibody response to HI V-1 infection. Urine studies suggest that antibodies to the products o f endogenous viral genes may be involved in the pathogenesis of chroni c diseases of suspected viral etiology.