TY - JOUR AU - BSC, Debra M. Niemeyer, USAF AB - Abstract Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a multi-faceted technology that is advancing disease detection. For pathology and clinical laboratories, PCR will be the tool of choice into the next century as scientists continue to develop and refine new uses. An amazingly simple process that amplifies nucleic acid sequences, PCR will change the practice of medicine because it will play a role in all aspects of the patient care continuum from diagnosis to treatment monitoring. Some striking applications range from detecting infectious and inherited diseases to assessing pharmacologic interventions. Additionally, the remarkable sensitivity of PCR will allow determination of a patient's genetic predisposition to diseases, thereby improving prevention modalities. Thus, medical practitioners should gain a basic understanding of this phenomenal cornerstone of molecular diagnostics. This article briefly reviews the history, theory, and uses of PCR and discusses relevant applications for military medicine. Reprint & Copyright © by Association of Military Surgeons of U.S., 1998 TI - Polymerase Chain Reaction: A Link to the Future JF - Military Medicine DO - 10.1093/milmed/163.4.226 DA - 1998-04-01 UR - https://www.deepdyve.com/lp/oxford-university-press/polymerase-chain-reaction-a-link-to-the-future-cU880jYWKX SP - 226 EP - 228 VL - 163 IS - 4 DP - DeepDyve ER -