Answers from the Lab

In this episode of “Answers From the Lab,” host Bobbi Pritt, M.D., chair of the Division of Clinical Microbiology at Mayo Clinic, is joined by William Morice II, M.D., Ph.D., CEO and president of Mayo Clinic Laboratories. They discuss the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) progress on making a final rule around regulating laboratory-developed tests (LDTs). Their discussion includes:How the FDA’s proposed rule on regulating LDTs has advanced to the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review, and what to expect in the coming months.Ongoing work around the Saving Access to Laboratory Services Act (SALSA).How laboratorians and pathologists can stay engaged on these important issues.

In this episode of “Answers From the Lab,” host Bobbi Pritt, M.D., chair of the Division of Clinical Microbiology at Mayo Clinic, is joined by William Morice II, M.D., Ph.D., CEO and president of Mayo Clinic Laboratories, to honor Black History Month. They reflect on important advancements in healthcare and laboratory medicine that were led by Black healthcare professionals and scholars. They also discuss health inequities that impact communities throughout the United States. Their discussion includes:A few of the major advancements in the medical field made by Black scholars, nurses, doctors, and surgeons, and important contributions to laboratory medicine by pioneering Black physicians and physician-scientists.Health inequities, accessibility issues, and diseases that are more prevalent in African Americans and people of lower socioeconomic status.How misinformation impacts preventive health measures.

In this episode of “Answers From the Lab,” host Bobbi Pritt, M.D., chair of the Division of Clinical Microbiology at Mayo Clinic, is joined by Stefan Grebe, M.D., Ph.D., co-director of the Clinical Mass Spectrometry and Test Development Laboratory in the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, and Irina Bancos, M.D.,consultant in the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism with a joint appointment in biochemistry and immunology. They discuss the diagnosis and management of adrenal gland tumors.Specific topics of discussion include:How the adrenal glands function and how tumors may affect these small, hormone-producing glands.Testing options for diagnosing malignant and benign tumors of the adrenal gland.Mayo Clinic’s use of machine learning and other innovative tools to distinguish adrenal carcinoma from common benign adrenal tumors as well as non-endocrine adrenal malignancies.

Ann Moyer, M.D., Ph.D., explains how Mayo Clinic Laboratories' test panel provides comprehensive evaluation of patients with suspected monogenic early onset inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD. Accurate diagnosis is key to guiding therapy for patients, who might be as young as age 2.(00:32) Could you please tell us a little bit about your background? (01:17) Could you please do a brief overview of our EOIBD test? (03:24) Which patients should have this testing and when should it be performed? (05:31) How are results used in patient care? (07:02) What alternative test options are available and how do these compare to our test?

In this episode of “Answers From the Lab,” host Bobbi Pritt, M.D., chair of the Division of Clinical Microbiology at Mayo Clinic, is joined by William Morice II, M.D., Ph.D., CEO and president of Mayo Clinic Laboratories, to discuss current activity of infectious diseases.Their discussion includes:Vector-borne diseases that are causing public health concerns, and the multi-agency public health strategy recently released by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to address the growing problem.The benefits of a public-private, collaborative approach to public health, and why laboratorians need to be involved.Both new and reemerging diseases that are being found across the United States, and how laboratory-developed tests play a vital role in diagnosing and managing these diseases.

Anne Tebo, Ph.D., explains how Mayo Clinic Laboratories' new serum tests help overcome the challenges of diagnosing primary biliary cholangitis, or PBC. Test results can guide clinical care for patients with this life-threatening autoimmune liver disease.(00:32)Could you please provide a little information about your background? (02:09)Please give a brief overview of the new test panels. (05:35)Which patients should have this testing and when should it be performed? (09:49)What alternative test options are available, and how do those compare to our testing at Mayo Clinic Laboratories? (13:15)How are the results used in patient care?

David Murray, M.D., Ph.D., explains how Mayo Clinic Laboratories' MASS-FIX Quantitation assay provides next-generation screening for M-proteins, which are associated with multiple myeloma and other diseases. The assay better quantitates the blood proteins, for improved patient care and simpler test ordering.(00:32)Could you provide us with a little bit about yourself and your background? (02:56)Would you elaborate on the role of you and the Mayo Clinic team in advancing insights with the use of mass spectrometry and its initial launch? (05:38)Please share about Quantitative MASS-FIX and its specificity, and which patients should have this testing and when it should be performed. (09:42)Is this a more simplified ordering menu? (15:01)Would you elaborate on how this assay supports the IMWG guidelines? (16:01)Are there any closing remarks you would like to add?

In this episode of “Answers From the Lab,” host Bobbi Pritt, M.D., chair of the Division of Clinical Microbiology at Mayo Clinic, is joined by William Morice II, M.D., Ph.D., CEO and president of Mayo Clinic Laboratories, to discuss what companies in the healthcare and diagnostics industries are focusing on in 2024.Their discussion includes:Insights from the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference, and where investments are happening in the diagnostics industry.Observations from visiting Southeast Asia around international healthcare innovation and testing accessibility. The importance of private-public partnerships and investments to advance global health.

Joshua Bornhorst, Ph.D., explains how Mayo Clinic Laboratories' unique blood test identifies pregnant women at risk of developing preeclampsia with severe features. Test results can guide clinical management, to safeguard maternal and neonatal health.Speaker 3: (00:32)Can you share a little about yourself and your background? Speaker 3: (01:00)Can you provide us with an overview of this new preeclampsia assay? Speaker 3: (02:33)Can you share what will be reported with this assay? Speaker 3: (03:07)Which patients should have this testing and at what point should it be performed? Speaker 3: (03:35)Can you share what alternative test options are available today for preeclampsia? Speaker 3: (03:52)How are the test results used in patient care?

In this episode of “Answers From the Lab,” host Bobbi Pritt, M.D., chair of the Division of Clinical Microbiology at Mayo Clinic, is joined by Elitza Theel, Ph.D., director of the Infectious Diseases Serology Laboratory at Mayo Clinic, to talk about the sexually-transmitted disease syphilis. Specific topics of discussion include:The history, cause, and symptoms of syphilis.A rare recent outbreak of ocular syphilis cases.The dramatic rise in syphilis and congenital syphilis cases in the United States over the last few years.The variety of syphilis testing options.

In this episode of “Answers From the Lab,” host Bobbi Pritt, M.D., chair of the Division of Clinical Microbiology at Mayo Clinic, is joined by William Morice II, M.D., Ph.D., CEO and president of Mayo Clinic Laboratories, to welcome the new year and discuss the increase of respiratory viruses.Their discussion includes:The increasing number of COVID-19 and influenza cases across the United States.The endemic state of COVID-19 and tools for prevention.The continued need to protect public health and advocate for the reauthorization of the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act.

Jeff Meeusen, Ph.D., explains how Mayo Clinic Laboratories' new MI-Heart Ceramides assay helps guide the management of patients with mildly to moderately high cholesterol. The test measures levels of lipids beyond cholesterol that boost cardiovascular risk.Show notes(00:31)Could you provide us a little bit about your background? (01:20)Could you give us a brief overview of this assay? (02:45)What patients should have this test and when should it be performed? (04:25)Could you talk a little bit about alternative test options and how they compare to our ceramides test? (05:58)Can you go a little bit further into how these results can impact patient care and how you may monitor patients in the future with this testing?

Robin Patel, M.D., explains how a new Mayo Clinic Laboratories' assay can identify central nervous system pathogens that standard tests fail to detect. Rapid, precise diagnosis is essential to preventing long-term effects from these infections.Show notesSpeaker 3: (00:32) Please give us a brief introduction of yourself and your role at Mayo Clinic. Speaker 3: (01:44) Could you please expand a bit on this newly developed sequencing assay — which is a shotgun metagenomic test on CSF — and explain how it's different from other sequencing methods? Speaker 3: (02:43) Could you tell us more about the specific group of patients this test would be used for and how a provider might identify those patients? When during the care process should this be ordered? Speaker 3: (04:12) Could you talk about the alternative test options and how they compare? Speaker 3: (05:42) How are the results used in patient care?

Linnea Baudhuin, Ph.D., and Kate Kotzer, M.S., CGC, describe how Mayo Clinic Laboratories' postmortem genetic tests can provide answers after a sudden unexplained cardiac death. Test results are important for managing family members' risk for cardiovascular disease.Show notes(00:32) Would each of you share a little bit about yourselves and your backgrounds? (01:13) Could you provide us with an overview of these new tests? (02:31) Can you expand on why these postmortem cardiac tests are so important? (04:09) Who could benefit from postmortem cardiac testing? (05:23) How does a health care provider order these tests? What sample types are accepted? (07:09) Is there a limit to the age of the specimen? Are there any limitations to the type of variants that can be detected by this test? (09:07) What other unique features set these tests apart? (10:17) How are the test results used in patient care? (11:22) Could you summarize the benefits of doing these tests at Mayo?

Devin Oglesbee, Ph.D., explains how Mayo Clinic Laboratories' cholestasis gene panel identifies mutations that cause low flow of bile from the liver. Test results help guide treatment decisions that can prevent liver damage.Show notes(00:32) Could you please provide us a little information about your background? (01:46) Could you please give the audience a brief overview of this assay? (03:45) Which patients should have this testing and when should it be performed? (06:39) How are the results used in patient care? (08:51) What alternative test options are available and how do they compare to our test?

In this episode of “Answers From the Lab,” host Bobbi Pritt, M.D., chair of the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology at Mayo Clinic, is joined by William Morice II, M.D., Ph.D., CEO and president of Mayo Clinic Laboratories, to reflect on key moments from 2023 and to discuss what may lie ahead in 2024.Their discussion includes:A look back at impactful events from 2023 in laboratory medicine and diagnostics.What’s top of mind today heading into the holidays.Speculating about industry trends to expect in 2024.

Antibody against the GABA-A receptor is a biomarker of autoimmune encephalopathy that occurs across the lifespan, and disproportionately affects children. In this test-specific episode of the "Answers From the Lab" podcast, Andrew McKeon, M.B., B.Ch., M.D., explains how Mayo Clinic Laboratories' GABA-A receptor antibody assay aids diagnosis of this serious but treatable condition.Show notes(00:32) Could you provide a little information on your role here at Mayo Clinic? (01:11) Can you give an introduction as to how GABA-A is important as the field of autoimmune neurology develops? (02:15) What type of methodology are we using in this assay? (03:17) Will there be a reflex to confirm positivity, or is that captured in that initial test? (04:22) Is either CSF or serum specimen preferable, or do we recommend both for this biomarker? (05:09) In combination with what phenotypes should this biomarker be considered? (05:37) Should a physician consider adding a GABA-A receptor standalone test to our encephalopathy, epilepsy, or pediatric evaluations, to be sure they're doing a comprehensive review? (06:25) Can you give us a little background on why this test is being launched by itself? Is Mayo Clinic Labs changing its stance on whether comprehensive evaluations are the most appropriate method? (07:30) Why has it taken so long to bring this assay live? (08:14) For exactly what type of patients should physicians consider this testing? (10:21) Should physicians add our encephalopathy evaluation every time they order GABA-A? Is the presentation you just described common or a subset? (11:24) Does that recommendation change in pediatric patients? (12:20) What does a positive result tell physicians? (12:57) Does GABA-A have a high-risk oncological association? (13:18) What does GABA-A tell a pediatric neurologist if the test comes back positive? (14:14) Should a positive GABA-A test lead a physician to a certain treatment option? (15:24) What are you most excited about in relation to the launch of this new test? (16:48) Is there anything else you'd like to add about this test?

In this episode of “Answers From the Lab,” host Bobbi Pritt, M.D., chair of the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology at Mayo Clinic, is joined by William Morice II, M.D., Ph.D., CEO and president of Mayo Clinic Laboratories, to discuss the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) recent approval of two gene therapies for sickle cell disease.Their discussion includes:The cause and characteristics of sickle cell disease.How the new cell-based gene therapies, Casgevy and Lyfgenia, work in the body.Bioethical and accessibility considerations of innovative treatments like gene-editing therapies.A brief update on the status of the FDA’s proposed rule on laboratory-developed tests.

Maria Willrich, Ph.D., and Melissa Snyder, Ph.D., describe Mayo Clinic Laboratories' panel for proactive therapeutic drug monitoring of patients with inflammatory bowel disease. The panel expands options for clinicians assessing patients' response to the drugs infliximab and adalimumab.(00:32) Could you provide a little bit of background information about yourselves? (02:18) Would you give the audience a brief overview of the assay? (04:18) Which patients should have this testing and when should it be performed? (07:24) What alternative test options are available, and how do these compare? (11:02) How are the results used in patient care?

In this episode of “Answers From the Lab,” host Bobbi Pritt, M.D., chair of the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology at Mayo Clinic, is joined by William Morice II, M.D., Ph.D., CEO and president of Mayo Clinic Laboratories, to discuss the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) proposed rule on laboratory-developed tests (LDTs) and the comments Mayo Clinic submitted to the FDA.Their discussion includes:How Mayo Clinic responded in its comments to the FDA on the proposed rule on LDTs.What comes next after the public comment period has closed effective Dec. 4.Quality management systems that are currently in place for laboratories.How changes in regulation could impact laboratory operations, patient care, access to testing, and innovation.

In this episode of “Answers From the Lab,” host Bobbi Pritt, M.D., chair of the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology at Mayo Clinic, is joined by William Morice II, M.D., Ph.D., CEO and president of Mayo Clinic Laboratories, to discuss current respiratory virus activity and the importance of staying up-to-date on preventive vaccines. Their discussion includes:The current outlook on COVID-19 cases and the importance of remaining vigilant with prevention efforts.The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), pneumococcal, influenza, and shingles vaccines, and which groups of people should consider receiving them.Diagnostic tools and at-home testing options for respiratory viruses.

In this episode of “Answers From the Lab,” host Bobbi Pritt, M.D., chair of the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology at Mayo Clinic, is joined by William Morice II, M.D., Ph.D., CEO and president of Mayo Clinic Laboratories. They discuss the one-year delay to clinical laboratory payment cuts recently passed by Congress and the importance of responding to the FDA’s proposed rule on laboratory-developed tests.Specific discussion points include:How Congress passed the short-term spending package on Nov. 15 that included a one-year reprieve from planned Medicare cuts to laboratory services, and what this means moving forward.Why it is critical to submit constructive comments in response to the FDA’s proposed rule on laboratory-developed tests before the Dec. 4 deadline.What specific information would be helpful for laboratories to include in their comments to the FDA.

In this episode of “Answers From the Lab,” host Bobbi Pritt, M.D., chair of the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology at Mayo Clinic, is joined by William Morice II, M.D., Ph.D., CEO and president of Mayo Clinic Laboratories. They discuss key takeaways from Dr. Morice’s recent visit in Washington, D.C. Their discussion includes:How device manufacturers are evolving and collaborating within the changing landscape.The importance of submitting comments in response to the FDA’s proposed rule on laboratory developed tests.Staying engaged with legislative efforts around laboratory reimbursement fees.

Lisa Rimsza, M.D., explains how Mayo Clinic Laboratories' unique PM3CX test can accurately define subtypes of large B-cell lymphoma. Precise diagnosis is critical to choosing appropriate chemotherapy for these cancers.Speaker 2: (00:32) Could you provide a brief background about yourself? Speaker 2: (01:12) Would you give us an overview of the PM3CX test? Speaker 2: (03:02) Which patients should have this testing? Speaker 2: (05:14) Is this test qualitative and RNA? Speaker 2: (06:35) After determining if it's primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma or diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, does the test identify the cell of origin? Speaker 2: (08:09) For patients diagnosed with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, what are the treatment recommendations? Speaker 2: (09:04)Are there any other insights about this test that you'd like to share?

In this episode of “Answers From the Lab,” host Bobbi Pritt, M.D., chair of the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology at Mayo Clinic, is joined by William Morice II, M.D., Ph.D., CEO and president of Mayo Clinic Laboratories. They discuss strategies for responsible innovation and how new standards for artificial intelligence (AI) safety will impact laboratory medicine and diagnostics.Their discussion includes:Highlights of the Executive Order issued by President Biden on Oct. 30 that establishes new standards for safe and secure AI development. Ethical considerations for laboratory leaders when applying AI algorithms.The importance of ensuring equitable access to powerful healthcare tools like AI.

In this episode of “Answers From the Lab,” host Bobbi Pritt, M.D., chair of the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology at Mayo Clinic, is joined by William Morice II, M.D., Ph.D., CEO and president of Mayo Clinic Laboratories. They discuss the recent news of a possible cure for sickle cell disease, as well as gene editing therapies and their impact on the laboratory. Their discussion includes:Characteristics of sickle cell disease and current testing and treatment options.Advantages, challenges, and ethical considerations for gene editing tools.How gene therapies may impact the laboratory and the process for testing specimens.How the high cost of innovative therapeutics may accentuate disparities in care.

In this episode of “Answers From the Lab,” host Bobbi Pritt, M.D., chair of the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology at Mayo Clinic, is joined by William Morice II, M.D., Ph.D., CEO and president of Mayo Clinic Laboratories, to discuss the role and expansion of at-home testing. Their discussion includes:How home test kits for COVID-19 led to the expansion of at-home tests and telehealth options across the health industry.Understanding from a laboratory perspective the best use of future at-home testing opportunities.How the COVID-19 pandemic opened the door for more cross-collaboration and decentralization.

In this episode of “Answers From the Lab,” host Bobbi Pritt, M.D., chair of the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology at Mayo Clinic, is joined by William Morice II, M.D., Ph.D., CEO and president of Mayo Clinic Laboratories. They discuss how artificial intelligence (AI) has become a disruptive technology in the field of laboratory medicine, and how it can add value to patient care.Their discussion includes:How the conversation around AI and laboratory medicine began, and how it has already made a mark on healthcare.Examples of AI applications within Mayo Clinic Laboratories.Considerations for responsible adoption of AI.

In this episode of “Answers From the Lab,” host Bobbi Pritt, M.D., chair of the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology at Mayo Clinic, is joined by William Morice II, M.D., Ph.D., CEO and president of Mayo Clinic Laboratories. They discuss current focus areas found across the diagnostics industry and what transformative technologies are being explored around the world.Their discussion includes:What international laboratories and diagnostics companies are working on during this post-pandemic time.How large language models, artificial intelligence, and automation are accelerating changes in healthcare. Considerations for thoughtful implementation of new technologies and the role pathologists and laboratorians play in keeping the needs of the patient first.

In this episode of “Answers From the Lab,” host Bobbi Pritt, M.D., chair of the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology at Mayo Clinic, is joined by William Morice II, M.D., Ph.D., CEO and president of Mayo Clinic Laboratories. They discuss the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) recently proposed rule that if finalized, would phase out its current enforcement discretion used for laboratory developed tests (LDTs), and regulate all laboratory tests as medical devices regardless of where they are manufactured.Their discussion includes:A brief history of the FDA’s oversight of LDTs and related legislative efforts.The notice and comment rulemaking process that will occur over the next 60 days, and how to submit public comments to the FDA.How this proposed rule may impact laboratories.

In this episode of “Answers From the Lab,” host Bobbi Pritt, M.D., chair of the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology at Mayo Clinic, is joined by Matthew Binnicker, Ph.D., director of the Clinical Virology Laboratory at Mayo Clinic, to discuss the seasonal outlook of respiratory viruses, including influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).Specific topics of discussion include:What respiratory viruses are currently circulating, and what we might expect in the coming months.Different testing methods for influenza, COVID-19, and RSV.Updated vaccination options and prevention methods.How to verify accurate expiration dates for at-home COVID-19 tests using the FDA website.

In this episode of “Answers From the Lab,” host Bobbi Pritt, M.D., chair of the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology at Mayo Clinic, is joined by William Morice II, M.D., Ph.D., CEO and president of Mayo Clinic Laboratories. They discuss the uptick of COVID-19 cases and the strains of the virus that are currently circulating.Their discussion includes:COVID-19 variants and how their mutations affect transmission.Lessons learned throughout the last few years with COVID-19 and immunity.Current CDC guidelines for testing and quarantining.Immunization and prevention tips that remain relevant.

In this episode of “Answers From the Lab,” host Bobbi Pritt, M.D., chair of the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology at Mayo Clinic, is joined by Nancy Wengenack, Ph.D., director of the Mycology and Mycobacteriology Laboratories at Mayo Clinic, to talk about leprosy and why it’s been in the news recently. Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease, is a rare infectious disease caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium leprae.Specific topics of discussion include:How leprosy is transmitted, detected, diagnosed, and treated.Challenges that healthcare professionals face in identifying leprosy.Debunking leprosy myths.

In this episode of “Answers From the Lab,” host Bobbi Pritt, M.D., chair of the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology at Mayo Clinic, is joined by Elitza Theel, Ph.D., director of the Infectious Diseases Serology Laboratory at Mayo Clinic. They talk about murine typhus, also known as flea-borne typhus, and the recent increase in cases in Los Angeles County and Texas.Specific topics of discussion include:How flea-borne typhus is transmitted to humans and common symptoms.How the disease is diagnosed, treated, and prevented.Typhus testing available through Mayo Clinic Laboratories.

In this episode of “Answers From the Lab,” host Bobbi Pritt, M.D., chair of the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology at Mayo Clinic, is joined by Paul Jannetto, Ph.D., director of the Clinical and Forensic Toxicology Lab, Clinical Mass Spectrometry Lab, and Metals Lab at Mayo Clinic. Dr. Pritt and Dr. Jannetto discuss the current state of the opioid crisis in the United States, its impact on public health, and the important role of laboratory testing in addiction medicine and pain management patients.Specific topics of discussion include:The roles that testing and screening programs play in identifying opioid addiction and facilitating treatment planning. Different controlled substance monitoring profiles and addiction rehabilitation monitoring profiles offered at Mayo Clinic Laboratories.Barriers in implementing effective testing strategies within communities heavily impacted by the opioid crisis.The importance of education and consultation in helping physicians support their patients.

In this episode of “Answers From the Lab,” host Bobbi Pritt, M.D., chair of the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology at Mayo Clinic, is joined by William Morice II, M.D., Ph.D., CEO and president of Mayo Clinic Laboratories. They discuss pathogens commonly found in the summertime that can cause disease and illness, and how to protect against them.Their discussion includes:Mosquito-borne and tick-borne diseases, their symptoms, and how to prevent bites.The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) online search tool to help individuals find an effective bug repellent. Foodborne illness that can occur when dining out or picnicking, and tips on how to dine safely. General summertime safety reminders and what to expect in the transition to fall.

In this episode of “Answers From the Lab,” host Bobbi Pritt, M.D., chair of the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology at Mayo Clinic, is joined by William Morice II, M.D., Ph.D., CEO and president of Mayo Clinic Laboratories. They discuss the role that a strong public health lab and diagnostic testing capabilities play in preventing widespread infectious disease outbreaks.Their discussion includes:The reemergence of infectious diseases that were prevalent years ago in the United States, and the role of the laboratory in addressing these modern-day outbreaks.How the introduction of pathogens from other countries and novel pathogens emphasizes the need for globally coordinated preparedness.Why a strong partnership between laboratory professionals and patient-facing clinicians is critical to combatting outbreaks and rare diseases.How advocating on behalf of clinical laboratories also benefits patients and public health.

Patients with elevated LDL or "bad" cholesterol face even greater risk if their levels of small dense LDL cholesterol are also high. Vlad Vasile, M.D., Ph.D., and Leslie Donato, Ph.D., explain how Mayo Clinic Laboratories' sdLDL-c assay measures concentrations of the small dense LDL subtype, to better guide clinical care.(00:32) Could you both tell us a little about yourselves and your backgrounds? (01:24) Could you tell us a little bit about small dense LDL cholesterol and why it is an important marker for helping a physician understand a patient's risk for coronary heart disease? (03:22) Could you describe the types of patients who could benefit from having a better understanding of their sdLDL-c levels? (04:36) Could you help us understand other tests or methodologies that are currently used to assess cardiovascular risk? (06:13) Could you describe Mayo Clinic's new assay for sdLDL-c cholesterol and how it will benefit physicians managing CVD patients?

In this episode of “Answers From the Lab,” host Bobbi Pritt, M.D., chair of the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology at Mayo Clinic, is joined by William Morice II, M.D., Ph.D., CEO and president of Mayo Clinic Laboratories. They discuss Dr. Pritt’s recent trip to Uganda where she taught a global health course as part of a Mayo Clinic-sponsored initiative to help expand knowledge around the world in global health and tropical medicine.Their discussion includes:Dr. Pritt’s experience in Uganda teaching diverse, hands-on laboratory skills to international healthcare professionals.Benefits of increasing knowledge of global health and practicing medicine in a resource-limited tropical setting.How access to diagnostics is driving disparities of care within the United States and across the world.

Identifying a precise genetic cause of hearing loss impacts clinical management. Nicole Boczek, Ph.D., and Melanie Meyer, M.S., CGC, explain how Mayo Clinic Laboratories' updated panel yields comprehensive results for optimal patient care.(00:31) Can you tell us a little about yourselves and your backgrounds? (01:52) Could you provide a brief overview of this assay? (02:29) Can the diagnosis lead to improved patient care? (03:51) When should this test be used? (05:25) How do the results for AHLP alter medical management? (07:34)How does our AHLP compare to the market? (08:31)Does Mayo Clinic Laboratories' increased gene count make a difference in diagnosis? (09:21) Why did we choose this many genes? (10:02) When does genetics fit into a patient's journey? (10:58) What are the benefits of doing AHLP at Mayo?

In this episode of “Answers From the Lab,” host Bobbi Pritt, M.D., chair of the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology at Mayo Clinic, is joined by Vanda Lennon, M.D., Ph.D., founder of the Neuroimmunology Laboratory and now director of the Neuroimmunology Research Laboratory at Mayo Clinic. Dr. Pritt and Dr. Lennon discuss the research and testing innovations that have led to critical advancements in the field of autoimmune neurology over the last few decades.Specific topics of discussion include:How the development of targeted and clinically oriented panels has improved diagnostics and healthcare for individuals with paraneoplastic syndromes.Why interdisciplinary collaborations with neurology, laboratory medicine and pathology, immunology, and other specialties are essential to innovations in autoimmune neurology.Cases of groundbreaking research and testing at Mayo Clinic Laboratories, including: Autoimmune GI dysmotilityMyasthenia gravis and Lambert-Eaton syndromeStiff-person spectrum disorders Autoimmune encephalopathyLearn more about the impact of Mayo Clinic Laboratories’ diagnostic expertise in the Patient Spotlight series featuring autoimmune neurology:MOGAD, or myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein associated-antibody diseaseAutoimmune encephalitisMOG, or myelin oligodendrocyte glycoproteinTesticular cancer-associated paraneoplastic encephalitis

Wei Shen, Ph.D., explains how Mayo Clinic Laboratories' new breast cancer panel provides rapid results to guide critical treatment decisions.(00:32) Could you provide our listeners with a little bit about yourself and your background? (01:28) Could you give us a brief overview of the new rapid hereditary breast cancer panel? (03:42) Can you describe a little bit of the rationale behind the design and how it differs from similar tests? (05:03) Can you tell us a little bit more about which patients should have this testing? (06:00) How are the results of the hereditary breast cancer panel used in patient care? (08:14) Is there anything else you would like to add about the panel?

In this episode of “Answers From the Lab,” host Bobbi Pritt, M.D., chair of the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology at Mayo Clinic, and Elitza Theel, Ph.D., director of the Infectious Diseases Serology Laboratory at Mayo Clinic, talk about dengue and chikungunya arboviral infections. Specific topics of discussion include:Why cases of dengue and chikungunya viral infections have rapidly increased in South America.What happens when a human is infected with dengue virus or chikungunya virus.Testing options available through Mayo Clinic Laboratories for these mosquito-borne diseases.

Sounak Gupta, M.B.B.S., Ph.D., explains how Mayo Clinic Laboratories' gynecological NGS panels provide focused assessments of gynecological cancers. The cost-effective tests fill the gap between single gene assays and large cancer panels, to inform prognosis and treatment. (00:32) Could you provide our listeners with a little bit about yourself and your background, please? (01:22) Could you give a brief overview of the new assays? (03:55) Can you talk a little about both the ovarian and gynecologic panel that will be in the new set of tests? (05:53) What patients will be impacted by this testing? (07:51) Can you speak to some of the individual genes in the gynecological area, such as POLE? (09:31) Is there anything else you would like to add?

In this episode of “Answers From the Lab,” host Bobbi Pritt, M.D., chair of the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology at Mayo Clinic, is joined by William Morice II, M.D., Ph.D., CEO and president of Mayo Clinic Laboratories, to discuss locally acquired cases of malaria that have recently occurred in Texas and Florida.Their discussion includes: Why malaria may be reappearing after being eliminated in the United States in the 1950s.The importance of laboratory diagnostics in identifying and diagnosing different types of malaria.Testing options available through Mayo Clinic Laboratories for malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases.

Sounak Gupta, M.B.B.S., Ph.D., explains how Mayo Clinic Laboratories' urologic panels efficiently inform prognosis and individualized cancer treatment. The carefully curated panels fill the void between single gene assays and large NGS panels.(00:32) Could you provide our listeners with a little bit about yourself and your background, please? (01:35) Could you give us a brief overview of the newly developed urologic assays? (03:51) Can you talk a little bit more about what patients should have this testing? (07:24) Can you talk in more detail about the MayoComplete bladder and prostate panel? (11:33) How are these results used in patient care? (16:10) Is there anything else you would like to add?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a recent health advisory to remind healthcare providers to be on the lookout for cases of measles and to educate patients on measles prevention. In this episode of “Answers From the Lab,” host Bobbi Pritt, M.D., chair of the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology at Mayo Clinic, is joined by Matthew Binnicker, Ph.D., director of the Clinical Virology Laboratory at Mayo Clinic, to discuss why measles prevention continues to be critically important.Specific topics of discussion include:A brief history of measles activity in the United States, and why measles cases are rising.Why the virus is so contagious, and how herd immunity applies to measles.Vaccination and prevention methods.Testing options available through Mayo Clinic Laboratories including:Molecular testing to detect the viral RNA in urine (MEASU) and throat swabs (MEASR), Serology testing on serum to detect IgM (ROM) or IgG-class antibodies (ROPG), or serology testing on cerebrospinal fluid (ROC).

John Lieske, M.D., explains why it's now easier for clinicians to pull information from Mayo Clinic Laboratories' urine supersaturation test report. An updated format summarizes complex information to help guide the treatment of kidney stones.(00:32) Could you tell us a little bit about yourself and your background? (01:28) Could you give us a brief overview of urine supersaturation testing? How should it be used? How can it benefit providers and their patients? (04:14) Can you tell us a little bit about the recent changes in our supersaturation tests and how they'll help providers better care for their patients?

In this episode of “Answers From the Lab,” host Bobbi Pritt, M.D., chair of the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology at Mayo Clinic, is joined by William Morice II, M.D., Ph.D., CEO and president of Mayo Clinic Laboratories, to discuss the latest update on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) proposed rule to oversee laboratory-developed tests (LDTs) and what that could mean for laboratories.Specific topics of discussion include: The FDA’s recent announcement on a proposed rule that would enable the agency to regulate LDTs, and what may happen next. The impact that LDT regulation could have on clinical laboratories. How to stay engaged and informed about regulatory issues.

Angela Pickart, M.S., CGC, and Emily Lauer, M.S., CGC, explain how Mayo Clinic Laboratories' multigene panel helps identify the cause of hereditary ataxia. Precise diagnosis of this complex movement disorder helps guide patient treatment and family screening.Show notesSpeaker 3: (00:31) Can you tell us a little about yourselves and your backgrounds? Speaker 3: (01:33) Why is genetic counseling so important to our doctors and patients? Speaker 3: (03:04) Can you give a brief overview of hereditary ataxia? Speaker 3: (04:24) Can you tell us more about Mayo Clinic's suite of molecular tests for various types of ataxia? Speaker 3: (08:03) Are there any additional tests for hereditary ataxia at Mayo Clinic? Speaker 3: (09:05)When might a provider consider genetic testing for a patient? Speaker 3: (10:05) Why is genetic testing important, and how are the results used?