A Test in Focus

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.

Rondell Graham, M.B.B.S., describes Mayo Clinic Laboratories' new assay for gastrointestinal stromal tumors, or GIST. The panel covers multiple mutations, to better inform diagnosis and treatment options.

In this test specific episode of the "Answers From the Lab" podcast, Ruifeng (Ray) Guo, M.D., Ph.D., explains how Mayo Clinic Laboratories' comprehensive melanoma panel better informs prognosis and treatment.

Rondell Graham, M.B.B.S., describes Mayo Clinic Laboratories' new colorectal cancer panel. The assay covers more genes to better inform decision-making about prognosis, targeted therapies and a hereditary cancer syndrome.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.