Molecular Pathology Lab Services

Excellence in Diagnostics

The Shreveport LSUHSC team supports Louisiana State University, our regional hospitals, and national healthcare providers with a total package of professional laboratory services at the forefront of technological advancement.

As a leader in the academic world, we train medical students and fellow clinicians in the diagnostic use and implementation of all of the tests we perform. Our technical expertise and personal interest in your results enables you to determine the best patient care strategy. We have the resources and training to get test results and a professional test consult to you as soon as possible.

Contact us today and let LSUHSC Outreach serve your patients with the right test, right now. Customized testing solutions and professional consults are our specialty.

Cellular Testing

Flow Cytometry

Flow cytometric analysis is a quantitative technique for measuring multiple cell parameters, including cell surface antigens, intracellular/nuclear antigens, and DNA content. Analyses can be performed on peripheral blood, bone marrow, and/or solid tissue. The technique is most commonly used to assess immunologic status and oncology. Laboratory services include lymphocyte immunophenotyping to monitor the immune status of HIV-infected persons; cellular phenotypes including cell surface, cytoplasmic, and nuclear markers that are cell-lineage specific used in the classification of leukemias and lymphomas; and DNA content and cell cycle analysis. Lymphoproliferative/leukemic panels are important in identifying large granular lymphocytosis, follicular lymphoma, hairy cell leukemia, B-cell CLL, mantle cell lymphoma. Reflex testing to molecular genetics for confirming inherent molecular endpoints is routine.

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Immunohistochemistry ( IHC )

Immunohistochemical analyses provide critical diagnosis for multiple diseases. Monoclonal antibody availability and tissue specific diagnostic panels are available as needed. Disease specific panels for prognostication are established for breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and other neoplasms.

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Sub-cellular Testing

Classic Cytogenetics - Chromosome Analysis

Oncology

Chromosome analyses for hematological disorders of bone marrow and/or leukemic blood are performed to identify specific chromosome rearrangements. These rearrangements in neoplastic cells are often correlated to specific types of leukemia, pre-leukemias, or myelodysplasias. This information aids the clinician in diagnosis, predicting prognosis, and guiding treatment. Examples of targeted abnormalities include: t(9;22) [CML, ALL], t(15;17) [AML-M3], inv(16) [AML-M4], del(5q) [myelodysplasia, secondary AML]. Cytogenetic studies of bone marrow involve culturing of fresh specimen. Giemsa-banded chromosomes are analyzed from 20 or more metaphase cells. A minimum of two representative karyotypes are produced. Additional cell counts and banding techniques are performed when required.

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Non-oncology

Cytogenetic studies of peripheral blood also involve culturing of fresh specimen. Giemsa-banded chromosomes are analyzed from 20 or more metaphase cells. A minimum of two representative karyotypes are produced. Additional cell counts and banding techniques are performed when required. If mosaicism is suspect, additional metaphase cells are evaluated. Chromosome analysis on peripheral blood specimens may be performed for several indications: including multiple congenital anomalies in a patient; couples with a history of spontaneous miscarriages; individuals with ambiguous genitalia, infertility, or amenorrhea; patients with a family history of chromosomal abnormalities; patients with a suspected chromosomal syndrome; and families with male predominant mental retardation.

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DNA Content Ploidy (gross) Digital Image Analysis

Sub-chromosomal Testing

Molecular Cytogenetics ( FISH )

Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) utilizes fluorescent-labeled DNA probes to defined chromosomal sequences (e.g., translocation breakpoint cluster regions, centromeric sequences) to identify translocations, deletions, and amplifications of genes as well as changes in chromosome number. Whereas traditional cytogenetic analysis requires metaphase (dividing) cell preparations and is subject to the limitations of detection by light microscopy, FISH can be applied to either metaphase or interphase (non-dividing) cell preparations. FISH analyses allow visualization of an abnormal chromosomal complement that otherwise might go undetected (e.g., in a hematologic population where cells are not dividing or in a patient who has a cryptic translocation or microdeletion). FISH can be performed for specific abnormalities including: translocation breakpoints in leukemia/lymphoma [t(9;22), t(15;17), inv(16), t(14;18), etc.]; marker chromosome identification, mosaicism studies, and prenatal detection of aneuploidy.

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Molecular Level Testing - Molecular Genetics

PCR & RT-PCR

A variety of molecular-based testing is available to assist the physician in the diagnosis and monitoring of patients with genetic disorders. Testing techniques include: polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR),Oligonucleotide ligation assay (OLA), probe-hybridization assays, sequencing, and fragment length polymorphisms. Such tests can be used to determine: inherited genetic abnormalities in hypercoagulable syndromes (i.e. Factor V(Leiden), prothrombin 20210, MTHFR), cystic fibrosis mutations, B- and T-cell clonality in lymphoproliferative syndromes, inherited abnormalities in iron overload disorders (i.e. hereditary hemochromatosis), monitoring following molecularly targeted therapies (i.e. t(9;22 BCR/ABL post-Gleevec), and engraftment status of bone marrow transplant recipients.

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Genetic Testing

In addition to our oncology services, we offer genetic tests for a variety of inherited genetic diseases and conditions. Services cover prenatal, perinatal, and adult diseases. Clinical geneticists, maternal fetal medicine specialists, and other genetic educators consult with patients and providers as necessary.

Your patients and their families benefit from the total package of testing through counseling in genetic diseases.

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Hereditary Cancer Counseling

Cancer is a common disease. However, some people have a greater chance of developing cancer. This may be due to gene changes that can be passed on through the family. Inherited gene changes are responsible for 5-10% of all cancers.

A careful review of a personal and family history will help determine whether cancer might be hereditary in a family. If a personal or family history includes any of the following risk factors, the patient is at high risk of a hereditary cancer:

Cancer before the age of 50 (Breast, Ovarian, Colon, or Endometrial)

Families with 2 or more women with breast cancer diagnosed before the age of 50.

Women with breast cancer diagnosed 50 years old or younger, even in the absence of a family history.

Personal or family history of ovarian cancer (at any age).

Personal or family history of male breast cancer (at any age).

Personal or family history of bilateral breast cancer-cancer in both breasts (at any age).

Personal or family history of both breast & ovarian cancer in the same individual (at any age).

Ashkenazi Jewish background with a personal or family history of breast and/or ovarian cancer.

Polyposis (multiple polyps in the stomach or intestines).

Same type of cancer in several generations of your family.

Concern about developing cancer because of family history.