Neurology

Cherisse Marcou, Ph.D., and Marissa Ellingson, M.S., CGC, discuss whole exome sequencing (WES) at Mayo Clinic Laboratories. The comprehensive evaluation uses next-generation sequencing to detect for single nucleotide variants, small insertions or deletions, and copy number variants on approximately 20,000 genes, enabling precision answers to accurately diagnose, manage, and treat patients with identified inherited illness.

Alicia Algeciras, Ph.D., describes Mayo Clinic Laboratories’ new blood test to detect NFLC, or neurofilament light chain protein. NFLC is a biomarker for several neurodegenerative conditions. The new assay can determine if a patient’s cognitive decline is due to a neurodegenerative condition or some other, reversible condition — while avoiding the need for more-invasive testing of cerebrospinal fluid.

Mayo Clinic Laboratories is leading an evolution in autoimmune neurology diagnosis. To better reflect this testing evolution, and to reduce confusion and improve utilization for our clients, effective April 28, we are renaming our phenotype-specific evaluations.

Andrew McKeon, M.B., B.Ch., M.D., an expert in neuroimmunology, joins the "Answers From the Lab" podcast for a conversation with Bobbi Pritt, M.D. In this episode, Dr. McKeon and Dr. Pritt discuss how Mayo Clinic is pioneering advancements in the field of autoimmune neurology, how these discoveries were made, and why they are important to both patients and physicians.

This “Specialty Testing” webinar will discuss the considerations physicians must weigh when evaluating suspected neuropathy patients with special emphasis put on small-fiber neuropathy and the most appropriate laboratory testing related to that phenotype.

Mayo Clinic researchers have identified clear differences in brain and spinal cord scarring in patients with demyelinating diseases.

Sophisticated laboratory testing solved a medical riddle and finally got Jori Pearson back on his feet, doing what he loves.

Maria Alice Willrich, Ph.D., explains kappa free light chain testing — Mayo Clinic Laboratories' data-driven approach to diagnose multiple sclerosis. The automated assay is more sensitive, cost-effective, and faster than traditional oligoclonal banding, enabling definitive answers for the challenging diagnosis.

Mayo Clinic researchers have developed and validated a new antibody test to diagnose multiple sclerosis (MS). The new test is an automated and cost-effective method compared to other tests used to diagnose MS, according to the research published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings. The test is now available through Mayo Clinic Laboratories.

Andrew McKeon, M.B., B.Ch., M.D., explains how Mayo Clinic Laboratories' stiff-person assay provides comprehensive evaluation for individuals on the spectrum of stiff-person syndrome. In addition to guiding treatment decisions, the assay can help confirm the most-severe stiff-person phenotype — known as PERM — which is associated with potential cancers.

Lying in an ICU bed as sick as he could get, Jon Bratsch thought he was past the point of no return. But when a Mayo Clinic Laboratories’ test revealed the source of his dire symptoms, everything changed. Today, Jon’s back to the life and family he loves.

A tenacious fighter, Joy Carol never lost hope that a mysterious condition that had stripped her of her ability to move would be identified. Hope turned into reality when a Mayo Clinic Laboratories test identified the cause of her illness and opened the door to successful treatment.

Mayo Clinic Laboratories’ comprehensive approach to targeted antibody testing played a crucial and lifesaving role in moving Sheila Lewis to recovery from autoimmune encephalitis.