Reference

The reduction of artifacts in PrPSc detection is vital for accurate diagnosis and research. Various methods have been developed to improve the accuracy and minimize the possibility of artifacts. Here are a few notable advancements and their contributions to reducing artifacts:

1. Paraffin-Embedded Tissue Blot (PET Blot):

   • A new technique, PET blot, has been developed to detect PrPSc in formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissues. This method enhances sensitivity and reduces false positives and negatives by resolving the PrPSc distribution in tissue samples more accurately ScienceDirect.

2. Protein Misfolding Cyclic Amplification (PMCA):

   • PMCA amplifies minute amounts of PrPSc and enhances detection capabilities. The technique's amplification steps significantly reduce the potential for artifacts by isolating infectious prion proteins more efficiently compared to earlier protocols (PDF on PMCA Technique).

3. AI-Powered Digital Pathology:

   • Using AI for digital pathology enables quantitative analysis of PrPSc distribution across entire tissue sections. The implementation of artificial intelligence helps in the precise reconstruction and quantification of PrPSc, thereby minimizing the potential for human error and artifacts Nature.

Each of these methods leverages advanced technologies to improve the detection accuracy of PrPSc, thus minimizing artifacts that can lead to incorrect or inconclusive results. By increasing sensitivity, specificity, and reducing subjectiveness in analysis, these new methodologies are pivotal in advancing prion disease diagnostics.