An Introduction To In Vitro Diagnostics 

Here’s ProLab’s introduction to in vitro diagnostics.

In vitro diagnostics play a critical role in the diagnosis of diseases, infections and conditions affecting billions of people worldwide. Timely and precise testing and analysis enable healthcare teams to make accurate diagnoses and provide the correct treatment and support to their patients. Read on for a brief introduction to in vitro diagnostics. 

What Are In Vitro Diagnostics? 

In vitro diagnostics are tests carried out on samples of blood, bodily fluid or tissue taken from the human body. ‘In vitro’ simply means ‘within glass’ or outside of the body, i.e. testing that takes place in a test tube or culture dish. 

This is opposed to the alternative, ‘in vivo’ diagnostics, which are tests conducted on or inside the body of a living organism. In vivo diagnostics include commonplace medical tests that most people are familiar with. For example, imaging, such as x-rays, mammograms and ultrasound scans, as well as basic, point-of-care health checks, such as temperature and blood pressure monitoring. 

How Are In Vitro Diagnostics Carried Out? 

Broadly speaking, there are two main types of IVD devices – laboratory-based tests, where samples are sent away for testing and point-of-care tests that provide a rapid result either at home or in a medical facility. 

As such, in vitro diagnostics, often abbreviated to IVDs can be carried out in a range of different settings, including healthcare facilities such as hospitals or clinics, specialist laboratories or testing centres, or in some cases, even at an individual’s home. 

Depending on the nature of the test being carried out, it may be a quite straightforward process that can be completed by the average layperson with basic equipment, or for more complex and risky diagnostics, specialist equipment and trained professionals might be needed to obtain, handle and accurately analyse a sample. 

Examples of In Vitro Diagnostics 

In vitro diagnostics or IVDs range from simple, at-home tests that many of us are familiar with, such as home pregnancy test kits, for example, to complex genetic analyses performed in regulated laboratories by highly skilled professionals. 

An IVD product can be a reagent, a system or a piece of equipment that is used to examine a specimen that has been taken from the body, for example, blood, tissue or urine. 

Some examples of in vitro diagnostics include: 

• Pregnancy tests for use at home or by medical professionals. 

• Ovulation testing kits. 

• Blood glucose monitoring. 

• Covid-19 tests (both lateral flow and PCR tests). 

• Testing for other respiratory illnesses, such as influenza. 

• Identification of gastrointestinal infections like salmonella and Clostridium difficile. 

• Genetic screening to identify whether an individual has an increased risk of developing a genetic disorder or passing it on to their children. 

• Genotyping (DNA testing) is where a person’s DNA is analysed and their sequencing compared to that of a reference or another person. 

• Viral load testing. For example, measuring the number of HIV particles in an infected person’s blood to enable effective treatment and monitoring. 

• Blood donor screening to ensure that infectious diseases are not passed on to vulnerable groups. 

• Screening for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). For example, testing for chlamydia, syphilis and HPV. 

• Testing for infectious diseases such as TB and Hepatitis. 

• Screening for congenital disorders. This might involve prenatal testing, screening in pregnancy and newborn screening tests such as the newborn blood spot test. 

• Cancer testing. For example, blood tests or in vitro drug testing to better understand which treatments a particular cancer may be receptive to. 

• Biochemistry tests such as blood gases and hormone testing. 

• General health screening, for example, cholesterol level monitoring, and urinalysis. 

In Vitro Diagnostics at Pro Lab 

We hope this introduction to in vitro diagnostics has been beneficial and provided you a basic understanding of this necessary science.

Pro-Lab Diagnostics are market leaders in the manufacture and distribution of in-vitro diagnostic kits and reagents. We have been supplying clients all over the world with in-vitro diagnostic kits, reagents and specialist laboratory equipment since 1974 and are proud to support the global hidden health service. 

To find out how we can support your work, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can call +44 (0)151 353 1613, email us at uksupport@pro-lab.com, or fill in our contact form, and a member of the team will be in touch as soon as possible.