An Overview of the Cytogenomics Process at MPLN

Since its inception in 1989, Molecular Pathology Laboratory Network, Inc. (MPLN) has been a beacon of excellence in the field of laboratory medicine, driving innovation in specialty testing and women’s health testing using molecular diagnostics.??

Cytogenomics, at its core, involves the study of chromosome biology in the genomic context and their relationship to health and disease, offering a single-cell resolution impossible in other testing methods. In the Cytogenomics Division at MPLN, we offer a diverse menu of testing options, including both chromosome analysis and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH).??

Advanced FISH Testing

FISH is a molecular cytogenetic technique that enables the localization of a specific DNA sequence or an entire chromosome in a cell. This ability to precisely detect genetic abnormalities at the chromosomal level makes FISH an ideal option for the diagnosis of genetic diseases, gene mapping, and identifying chromosomal abnormalities.?

MPLN's FISH menu boasts over 40 different loci and multiple disease-specific panels, catering to a broad spectrum of clinical needs. This comprehensive offering allows for the detection of gene amplifications/deletions, translocations, and inversions. FISH testing can be performed on diverse sample types, including bone marrow, blood, and formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues.

We offer stat turnaround times for critical cases, including suspected acute promyelocytic leukemia (PML::RARA) and acute myeloid leukemia. These expedited services provide patients and clinicians with the information necessary to make critical treatment decisions.?

MPLN's expertise extends beyond standard FISH testing to include specialized services such as plasma cell enrichment for the detection of plasma cell disorders. This technique significantly enhances detection sensitivity and specificity of these neoplasms, facilitating early diagnosis and personalized treatment strategies.

For bladder cancer testing, MPLN provides a non-invasive via FISH analysis on urine samples.

Lastly, MPLN offers customizable FISH assay and panel development services, allowing clinicians to tailor testing strategies to their specific research or clinical objectives.

Chromosome Analysis (Karyotyping)

In addition to FISH testing, MPLN offers traditional chromosome analysis (karyotyping), which plays a crucial role in the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment selection for a wide range of oncologic and constitutional disorders. MPLN's chromosome analysis menu provides comprehensive testing options for diverse clinical indications.?

Samples for oncology chromosome analysis include bone marrow aspirate, bone marrow core, peripheral blood, and various tissues suitable for short-term culture (lymph node, fine needle aspirate, cerebral spinal fluid, vitreous fluid).?

For constitutional chromosome analysis, MPLN accepts peripheral blood and newborn blood samples, enabling the detection of chromosomal abnormalities associated with genetic syndromes, developmental disorders, and congenital anomalies.

Expertise and Quality Assurance

At the heart of MPLN's Cytogenomics Division lies a team of board-certified laboratory directors and licensed cytogenetic technologists, working together to ensure the accuracy, efficiency, and reliability of test results. With decades of collective experience in the field, our team brings expertise and dedication to every aspect of the testing process.?

Moreover, MPLN adheres to stringent quality assurance protocols, upholding the highest quality standards. From sample handling and processing to result interpretation and reporting, every step is meticulously executed to ensure reproducibility, accuracy, and compliance with regulatory requirements.

Want to learn more about MPLN's Cytogenomics Division and testing menu?? Reach out to us today to learn more!?