Future Trends in Rapid Methods: Where Is the Field Moving, and What Should We Focus On?

Proper sample preparation is a precondition for advanced laboratory diagnostics. The newer methods that claim less time to reach a result have a major limitation with how much volume they can take prior to the rapid analysis for the target molecule. Among these approaches, the use of signal amplification techniques has received attention. Another key issue is automation, where the key drivers are miniaturization and multiple testing. Quantification by real-time PCR is an established technique. Recent developments in real-time PCR have made it possible to carry out high-throughput source tracing for routine purposes in the food industry. The genomics technologies have reached a stage where they are used on a routine basis in many laboratories. These technologies are expected to move towards culture-independent detection and characterization techniques based on the purification of total DNA from diagnostic samples and subsequent metagenomic analysis. The emphasis of future testing developments should be on the use of metagenomics (gene-based) rather than the phenotypic methods used today. The food safety risk analysis tool as first described by the Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization states that it should be the role of the official bodies to use risk analysis to determine realistic and achievable risk levels of foodborne hazards. However, by moving towards online testing, it may also be appropriate to change the risk assessment concept towards online product risk assessments based on the microbiological testing.