Miniaturization technologies for molecular diagnostics

Background: Molecular diagnostics devices are becoming smaller. With the ad vancement of miniaturization technologies, microchip-based systems will soo n be available for genetic testing. The purpose of this review is to highli ght the underlying principles in miniaturization, the strategies being deve loped for bioanalysis, and the potential impact on the practice of this rap idly growing medical discipline. Approach: The author discusses DNA microchips and their practical importati on into the clinical laboratory, based on his background in medical device and microchip design and development. His discussion is supported by a body of literature covering both biomedical and electrical engineering and more recent publications in the field of molecular genetics and pathology. Content: This review is descriptive and intended to outline the technologic and methodologic approaches to the creation of an integrated genetic analy sis instrument based on miniature components. The review draws on published scientific evaluations of these devices without regard to the companies in volved in their development. Summary: The intent of this review is that the reader will better understan d the variety of technical approaches toward the miniaturization of molecul ar genetic testing for the clinical laboratory. With insight into the princ iples underlying the operation of these chips and the integrated systems, t he end user can better evaluate the Value to the field in terms of making m olecular genetics testing simpler, faster, and less expensive. (C) 2001 Ame rican Association for Clinical Chemistry.