Exhaustively delineate on any four (4) biochemical techniques of relevance to Clinical Biochemistry and their application in clinical diagnosis.
1. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA): ELISA is a widely used biochemical technique in clinical biochemistry for detecting the presence of antibodies or antigens in a patient's blood sample. This technique involves the binding of an enzyme-linked antigen or antibody to a specific target molecule, followed by the addition of a substrate that produces a measurable color change. ELISA is commonly used to diagnose infectious diseases, autoimmune disorders, and hormonal imbalances, as well as to monitor the effectiveness of treatment in patients.
2. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR): PCR is a technique used to amplify small amounts of DNA in a patient's sample, making it easier to detect genetic mutations or pathogens associated with various diseases. In clinical biochemistry, PCR is commonly used for diagnosing genetic disorders, infectious diseases, and cancer, as well as for monitoring the effectiveness of treatments such as antiretroviral therapy in patients with HIV/AIDS.
3. Mass spectrometry: Mass spectrometry is a powerful biochemical technique used in clinical biochemistry to analyze the composition of biological molecules such as proteins, lipids, and metabolites in a patient's sample. By measuring the mass-to-charge ratio of these molecules, mass spectrometry can provide information about their structure, abundance, and function, helping clinicians diagnose and monitor a wide range of diseases, including metabolic disorders, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases.
4. Electrophoresis: Electrophoresis is a technique used to separate and analyze proteins, nucleic acids, and other biomolecules based on their size, charge, and mass. In clinical biochemistry, electrophoresis is commonly used to identify and quantify specific proteins in a patient's sample, such as those associated with liver function, kidney function, and immune response. This information can aid in the diagnosis and monitoring of various diseases, including liver disease, kidney disease, and autoimmune disorders.