‘Omic’ technologies are primarily aimed at the universal detection of genes (genomics),
mRNA (transcriptomics), proteins (proteomics) and metabolites (metabolomics) in a specific
biological sample.
• Omic technologies have a broad range of applications.
• Genomic and transcriptomic research has progressed due to advances in microarray technology.
• Mass spectrometry is the most common method used for the detection of analytes in
proteomic and metabolomic research.
• Data analysis is complex as a huge amount of data is generated and statistician and
bioinformatician involvement in the process is essential.
• Much of the omic research in obstetrics and gynaecology has concentrated on using the
technology to develop screening tests for gynaecological cancers and obstetric complications.