DNA Testing For More Accurate Results

Experts have now developed a DNA test capable of identifying myelodysplasia ( MDS ).MDS is a blood disorder that can lead to leukemia or fatal infections and bleeding. Patients often don’t find out they have the disease until it’s too late for early treatment. About 15,000 to 20,000 people a year are diagnosed with MDS. The condition is most common in those over age 60.

Researchers took blood samples from people suspected of having a more treatable, non-malignant form of bone marrow disease. They were able to identify those with MDS by using a new DNA test.The new procedure uses a technique called Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy to assess DNA taken from a small amount of the patient’s blood.

The DNA test for MDS is highly predictive and most promising ,say researchers and they believe that a study with a larger number of samples will validate their initial findings and thus pave the way for clinical application.