A Test in Focus

In this test-specific episode of “Answers From the Lab,” host Bobbi Pritt, M.D., chair of the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology at Mayo Clinic, and Bjorn Oskarsson, M.D., a neurologist at Mayo Clinic’s Florida campus, discuss how the neurofilament light chain test available through Mayo Clinic Laboratories helps physicians diagnose neurological disease and assess neuronal damage.

Elitza Theel, Ph.D., explains how Mayo Clinic Laboratories' unique Histoplasma/Blastomyces test provides cost-effective evaluation for fungal infections that cause pulmonary illness. The assay reliably detects both Histoplasma and Blastomyces pathogens in a single test.

Zhiyv (Neal) Niu, Ph.D., and Rodolfo Savica, M.D., Ph.D., explain why Mayo Clinic Laboratories' gene panel is the most comprehensive test available for inherited Parkinson's disease. The new panel covers all mutations known to cause the condition — or increase the risk of developing it.

Zhiyv (Neal) Niu, Ph.D., and Christopher Klein, M.D., explain how Mayo Clinic Laboratories' updated neuromuscular gene panel informs diagnosis and treatment. The phenotype-based panel covers the complete list of neuromuscular genes and their variants.

Nicole Boczek, Ph.D., and Sarah Barnett, M.S., CGC, explain how Mayo Clinic Laboratories' whole genome sequencing provides comprehensive information for rapid diagnosis of hereditary disorders.

Molecular biomarkers are a critical component in the treatment of adult and pediatric brain tumors. Robert Jenkins, M.D., Ph.D., explains how Mayo Clinic Laboratories' chromosomal microarray provides more comprehensive and accurate tumor analysis compared with other test methods.

Paul Jannetto, Ph.D., and Loralie Langman, Ph.D., discuss Mayo Clinic Laboratories’ new marijuana monitoring evaluation, which identifies metabolites of both delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and delta-8 THC to accurately identify and characterize patients’ marijuana use.

Andrew McKeon, M.B., B.Ch., M.D., explains how Mayo Clinic Laboratories' expanded movement disorders panel better identifies autoimmune conditions to guide appropriate treatment.

Cristiane (Cris) Ida, M.D., explains how Mayo Clinic Laboratories' updated neuro-oncology gene panel provides more clinically relevant information for managing adult and pediatric brain tumors.

Melissa Snyder, Ph.D., explains how Mayo Clinic Laboratories' EDN panel improves the evaluation of certain patients with asthma and autoimmune digestive disorders. EDN is the first laboratory test that provides a marker of eosinophil-derived neurotoxins.

Gang Zheng, M.D., Ph.D., and Aaron Mansfield, M.D., describe Mayo Clinic Laboratories’ liquid biopsy, which analyzes blood samples for genetic information to guide cancer treatment. The circulating tumor DNA assay uses next generation sequencing and complements the laboratory's cell-based cancer testing.

Linda Hasadsri, M.D., Ph.D., explains carrier screening at Mayo Clinic Laboratories. Using targeted genotyping, our three focused panels evaluate genes associated with cystic fibrosis, spinal muscular atrophy, and hemoglobinopathies, to provide clear answers on reproductive risks and to guide decision-making.

Puanani Hopson, D.O., explains how Mayo Clinic Laboratories’ malabsorption panel can provide timelier diagnosis for children with chronic diarrhea or unexplained weight loss. The novel panel, which bundles four existing tests, requires just one stool sample.