Presumptive vs. confirmatory testing
Definition
Presumptive tests (Phadebas) give rapid screening results but have cross-reactants; they justify further analysis. Confirmatory or highly specific tests (RSID-Saliva, mRNA analysis) provide stronger identification and are reported with greater confidence.
Related terms
- Alpha-amylase (salivary)
- An enzyme encoded by the AMY1 gene and secreted by the parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands. It cleaves starch at alpha-1,4-glycosidic bonds...
- Double-swab technique
- DNA collection method in which a wet swab is applied to the wound perimeter first to rehydrate and collect biological material, followed...
- Isoforms of amylase
- The human genome encodes multiple AMY loci. AMY1 products are expressed in saliva; AMY2 products are expressed in the pancreas. The two...
- Phadebas test
- A colorimetric presumptive test for alpha-amylase activity. Phadebas tablets contain a blue-dyed insoluble starch; amylase releases soluble blue dye that is measured...
- RSID-Saliva
- Rapid Stain Identification of Saliva. An immunochromatographic lateral-flow assay using monoclonal antibodies specific to human salivary amylase. More specific than Phadebas, with...
Explained in
- Saliva Identification: Amylase and RSID-SalivaPresumptive tests (Phadebas) give rapid screening results but have cross-reactants; they justify further analysis. Confirmatory or highly specific tests (RSID-...