Why didn’t Theranos work? (and could it have ever worked?)

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I’ve heard of PCR before (polymerase chain reaction) where more copies of a DNA sample can be rapidly made. If the problem was that the quantity of blood that Theranos uses is too small, why wasn’t PCR used/ (if it was) why didn’t it work?

Also if I’m completely misunderstanding PCR, if someone could for that too, I’d appreciate it, thank you!

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Anonymous 0 Comments

Theranos was promising way more than they could possibly deliver. Multiple blood tests from a finger prick sampling, taken from a device smaller than a laundry basket that was located in walk-in pharmacies and supermarkets that would provide near instantaneous feedback at virtually no cost to the customer. If they could deliver on even one of those promises it would be miraculous but to throw all of that out there? Let us know how you’re enjoying the accommodations in the hoosegow.

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I’ve heard of PCR before (polymerase chain reaction) where more copies of a DNA sample can be rapidly made. If the problem was that the quantity of blood that Theranos uses is too small, why wasn’t PCR used/ (if it was) why didn’t it work?

Also if I’m completely misunderstanding PCR, if someone could for that too, I’d appreciate it, thank you!

In: 148

31 Answers

Anonymous 0 Comments

Theranos was promising way more than they could possibly deliver. Multiple blood tests from a finger prick sampling, taken from a device smaller than a laundry basket that was located in walk-in pharmacies and supermarkets that would provide near instantaneous feedback at virtually no cost to the customer. If they could deliver on even one of those promises it would be miraculous but to throw all of that out there? Let us know how you’re enjoying the accommodations in the hoosegow.

You are viewing 1 out of 31 answers, click here to view all answers.