COVID-19 “Liquid Biopsy” Could Offer Monitoring, Prognostic Tool

Cornell University researchers are developing a “liquid biopsy” that detects and quantifies injury to internal organs from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The test profiles epigenetic changes in circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA)—small fragments of genetic material from dead cells, including those killed off by infection or immune-relat ed injury. The DNA chemical modifications are specific to different cell, tissue, and organ types, revealing the origin of injury.
Source: JAMA - Category: General Medicine Source Type: research