The Summary An advanced diagnostic test uses genetic sequencing to detect a range of pathogens — viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites — that might be causing an illness. A cutting-edge diagnostic test is helping some doctors find diagnoses for medical mysteries by analyzing DNA and RNA to detect a broad swath of viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites, according to a pair of studies published Tuesday. Traditional diagnostic tests are generally designed to measure specific substances such as proteins, hormones or trace amounts of genetic material. The technology is not a replacement for existing tests used to diagnose common illnesses — like those for Covid or strep throat — since it’s slower to deliver results and more expensive. The test also misses some cases, she added, so it should be used alongside other diagnostic tests in hospitals.

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Persons: ”, Charles Chiu, Noah Berger, Covid, Chiu, it’s, Susan Butler, Wu, ” Butler, “ It’s Organizations: University of California, Nature, UCSF, Nature Communications, Drug Administration, University of Southern Locations: San Francisco, Mexico, UCSF, University of Southern California