In Vitro Diagnostics

In vitro diagnostic refers to all tests on human tissue where a specimen is taken from the body, as opposed to imaging, or in vivo, tests. The in vitro diagnostics industry plays an integral role in healthcare and disease management. Diagnostic laboratory technology has changed dramatically in the past few years, due to the publication of the human genome project and advances in functional genomics, bioinformatics, miniaturization and microelectronics.

Further the revolution in bioinformatics is allowing clinical and traditional medical engineering to blend with components derived from the information and computer sciences opening up new niche markets for POC test devices which will have a positive impact on diagnostic testing.

The IVD industry is on an upswing. For the past 15 years the number of assays introduced has been growing at a remarkable clip. At the same time, diagnostic laboratory technology is changing dramatically, due to the publication of the human genome project and advances in functional genomics, bioinformatics, miniaturization and microelectronics. Further the revolution in bioinformatics has allowed scientists to mine genetic information to derive new and hopefully better markers of some of the most pressing health problems such as cancer, cardiac disease, diabetes and autoimmune disorders. This has contributed to growth in many areas but especially in immunoassays and nucleic acid tests.