At the Mercy of the Artificial Intelligence Algorithm: Discrepant Polymerase Chain Reaction Results.

Journal: The Journal of infectious diseases
PMID:

Abstract

As pathogen molecular diagnostics technology develops, the software analysis of polymerase chain reaction sigmoidal curves, cycle threshold (Ct) values, and the limit of nucleic acid detection for that assay is not always available when reporting test results. These are critical components in interpreting results and can affect the management of patients. Our view is that all commercial assay providers must ensure that users, as they can with laboratory-developed tests, are able to see the curve and Ct value for all samples. Some examples demonstrating this principle are included. Regulatory bodies have a key role to play.

Authors

  • Mark Zuckerman
    Infection Sciences, King's College Hospital National Health Service Foundation Trust.
  • Temi Lampejo
    Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom. Electronic address: temi.lampejo@nhs.net.
  • Melvyn Smith
    Infection Sciences, King's College Hospital National Health Service Foundation Trust.