The Impact of Molecular Diagnostics on Women's Health

Molecular diagnostics has impacted nearly every discipline in the laboratory. Specifically, molecular infectious disease testing has revolutionized the diagnosis of viral infections, sexually transmitted infections, and emerging pathogens. The impact has been felt in a wide variety of patient populations, including HIV-infected individuals, transplant recipients, pediatrics, and women. This article reviews the impact of molecular diagnostics on women's health, including a discussion of public health indicators and molecular testing for group B streptococci, human papillomavirus, Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis, and HIV.