Is this the real time for genomics?

- We discuss the drawbacks associated with the use of traditional DNA microarrays in diagnostics.
- We point out on PCR-microarray platforms that could overcome DNA microarray technology limits.
- We show how the integration of PCR and microarray could be available for a real-time configuration.
- Real- time microarray devices may facilitate the transition of genome-based tests into clinical routine.

In the last decades, molecular biology has moved from gene-by-gene analysis to more complex studies using a genome-wide scale. Thanks to high-throughput genomic technologies, such as microarrays and next-generation sequencing, a huge amount of information has been generated, expanding our knowledge on the genetic basis of various diseases. Although some of this information could be transferred to clinical diagnostics, the technologies available are not suitable for this purpose. In this review, we will discuss the drawbacks associated with the use of traditional DNA microarrays in diagnostics, pointing out emerging platforms that could overcome these obstacles and offer a more reproducible, qualitative and quantitative multigenic analysis. New miniaturized and automated devices, called Lab-on-Chip, begin to integrate PCR and microarray on the same platform, offering integrated sample-to-result systems. The introduction of this kind of innovative devices may facilitate the transition of genome-based tests into clinical routine.