A Test in Focus

Ying-Chun Lo, M.D., Ph.D., explains how Mayo Clinic Laboratories' updated lung panel can better guide clinical decision-making, particularly about targeted lung cancer therapies.

By Barbara J. Toman • October 25, 2022

Andrew McKeon, M.B., B.Ch., M.D., explains how Mayo Clinic Laboratories' pediatric autoimmune/CNS testing can better guide the treatment of autoimmune neurological diseases in children. The tailored evaluation covers only biomarkers relevant to pediatric presentations of the diseases.

By Barbara J. Toman • October 18, 2022

Loralie Langman, Ph.D., explains the difference between chain of custody and clinical toxicology testing. Chain of custody is a process used for toxicology testing when the results might have legal implications for the individual tested. Clinical toxicology testing is used for routine medical care. Mayo Clinic Laboratories offers a full range of clinical and forensic toxicology testing.

By Robin Huiras-Carlson • October 11, 2022

Katherine Geiersbach, M.D., explains how Mayo Clinic Laboratories' PIK3CA assay informs breast cancer treatment. The assay identifies patients eligible for a certain second-line therapy when initial treatment has failed.

By Barbara J. Toman • September 20, 2022

Joseph Maleszewski, M.D., and Marie-Christine Aubry, M.D., explain how Mayo Clinic Laboratory can provide definitive diagnosis of primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD). Mayo Clinic's expertise and technology have earned the laboratory's designation as the sole center of excellence for diagnosing this rare respiratory disorder.

By Barbara J. Toman • September 15, 2022

Paul Jannetto, Ph.D., describes Mayo Clinic Laboratories' new direct biomarker test for alcohol consumption. PETH is a blood test with a window of detection of about two to four weeks — compared with five days for urine-based screening for alcohol use.

By Barbara J. Toman • September 13, 2022

Ann Moyer, M.D., Ph.D., and Paul Jannetto, Ph.D., explain how precision therapeutics can improve treatment for patients with major depressive disorder. The optimal antidepressant medication and dose vary among individuals. Pharmacogenomic testing and therapeutic drug monitoring can guide clinicians to the most-effective treatment for each patient.

By Barbara J. Toman • September 6, 2022

Linnea M. Baudhuin, Ph.D., and Emily K. Thoreson, M.S., CGC, explain how Mayo Clinic Laboratories renal genetics testing provides comprehensive, accurate and actionable results. Identifying a genetic cause helps guide the complex decisions involved with treating kidney disease.

By Barbara J. Toman • August 30, 2022

Divyanshu (Div) Dubey, M.B.B.S., describes Mayo Clinic Laboratories' new diagnostic test for CIDP, or chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy. The new test detects two antibodies — NF155 and CNTN1 — to enhance diagnosis and guide treatment decisions. Often misdiagnosed, CIDP is treatable if detected early.

By Barbara J. Toman • August 23, 2022

John Lieske, M.D., describes Mayo Clinic Laboratories' new test for primary membranous nephropathy. PMND1 is a diagnostic cascade that provides a cost-effective approach to detecting antigens known to cause membranous nephropathy — a condition that can lead to kidney failure.

By Barbara J. Toman • August 16, 2022

Rong He, M.D., describes how Mayo Clinic Laboratories’ NPM1Q assay detects all known forms of a genetic mutation found in about 30% of people with acute myeloid leukemia, or AML. Identifying the NPM1 mutation is critical for clinical decision-making.

By Barbara J. Toman • August 9, 2022

Rajiv Pruthi, M.B.B.S., explains how Mayo Clinic Laboratories’ serotonin release assay achieves high sensitivity and specificity while avoiding the use of radioactive materials. Serotonin release testing is an important tool in the diagnosis of heparin induced thrombocytopenia, or HIT, which can have devastating consequences for patients.

By Barbara J. Toman • August 2, 2022

Joshua Bornhorst, Ph.D., describes the new, FDA-approved Alzheimer's disease (AD) test and how it differs from Mayo Clinic Laboratories' existing AD evaluation. The laboratory will offer both tests, to ensure flexibility and options for managing clinical care.

By Barbara J. Toman • July 26, 2022