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Flow-through tests are a type of diagnostic assay that allows users to test for the presence of a biomarker, usually a specific antibody, in a sample such as blood. Detection of a specific biomarker aids in the diagnosis of and allows therapeutic action to be initiated quickly. The field of applications for this technology is wide, whereas generally all applications applying lateral flow tests can be replaced by flow-through assays. Commercial applications mainly target testing for infectious disease, both by viruses (e.g. HIV, Hepatitis C, Hepatitis B 〔http://www.medmira.com/default.asp?mn=1.21.83.113〕 ) or bacteria (e.g. Syphilis〔http://www.medmira.com/default.asp?mn=1.21.168.169〕 or Helicobacter pylori 〔http://www.medmira.com/default.asp?mn=1.21.82〕). == Applications & History == Flow-through tests are one of two commonly used types of rapid tests, the second being lateral flow tests. Both flow-through and lateral flow are typically performed closer to the patient, and can be completed by users with minimal training. These tests are also sometimes called Point of care (POC) tests. In contrast to other established clinical diagnostic methods, such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Point of Care tests can be performed independent of laboratory equipment and deliver instant results. Of the two types of POC tests, flow-through is the more mature technology. In the mid to late 1990’s, a significant number of manufactures switched to newly developed lateral flow tests. However that switch did cause problems as the technology was owned by a company who took an aggressive stance to protect its IP, and have done so successfully. Other companies who did not make the switch further developed flow-through. Some of those companies such as Bio-Rad continued to use original version of the technology that dated back to the late 1980s. Other companies have evolved the technology to varying degrees. The evolved flow-through tests have benefits that rival or exceed lateral flow technology: they can be transported and stored at room temperature for prolonged periods time and allow rapid diagnostic of multiple diseases on-site with results within minutes.〔http://www.medmira.com/images/multiploHBVHIVHCV/MPBICABPM0001ENMultiploHBVHIVHCVProductSheet.pdf〕 This makes them the preferred method in e.g. large screening campaigns but also in situations of accidental blood contact or during labour when immediate treatment of a child exposed to HIV during birth by a HIV- positive mother can significantly reduce mother-to-child transmission.〔http://www.rapid-diagnostics.org/tech-flow.htm〕 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Flow-through test」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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