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Omar Epps, Hugh Laurie, and Jennifer Morrison in House (2004)

Goofs

Forever

House

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Incorrectly regarded as goofs

No PCR in saliva would reveal cancer markers. Cancer markers are mostly proteins detected in blood or urine, very little would be detected in saliva, and that would require biochemical tests, never a PCR. PCR can be used to detect genetic disposition to cancer, but that's not a diagnose method. Also, there's absolutely no way estrogen can be detected that way.

Correction: PCR tests can detect cancer markers, including in saliva. A separate test was done on the saliva for the estrogen.

Revealing mistakes

Flipped film: when the baby is first shown on ECMO, the numbers on the crib are reversed, and there is a net stocking on the baby's left leg. The view changes, the numbers are correct and the stocking is on the right leg. The view changes back to reversed numbers and left leg stocking.

Miscellaneous

Another item on here mentions that PCR saliva tests can't be used to detect cancer markers, and that estrogen can't be detected in saliva. These are both absolutely incorrect. A PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test is used to amplify very small amounts of DNA, and then replicate them to allow for more detailed testing. When testing for cancer, PCR is a highly sensitive method for detecting tiny amounts of genetic material from cancer cells or specific genetic changes associated with cancer. By amplifying and copying these genetic fragments, a PCR can identify biomarkers like specific mutations (e.g., K-ras, BRAF) or gene amplifications (e.g., HER2) that are characteristic of certain cancers. PCR can detect minute traces of cancer cells or genetic alterations, even at a very early stage before symptoms appear, aiding in the diagnosis of various cancers. And when it comes to PCR tests on saliva, salivary RNA, DNA, and proteins can serve as reliable biomarkers for early detection of head and neck cancers. While a PCR saliva test on its own cannot be used to definitively diagnose cancer, it is an excellent tool for early detection. Wilson wasn't doing the PCR test to try and diagnose any kind of specific cancer, he wanted to just rule out the likelihood of cancer. And while it requires a different type of test, estrogen levels can be easily quantified in saliva.

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