Answers from the Lab Mayo Clinic Laboratories

Anastasia Zekeridou, M.D., Ph.D., explains how Mayo Clinic Laboratories' updated panels and methodology boost the accuracy and efficiency of testing for three autoimmune neurology biomarkers. Early diagnosis is key to managing debilitating conditions associated with these antibodies.
(00:32) Could you please give our listeners an overview of your role at Mayo Clinic?
 
(01:22) What updates are happening in our laboratory to increase specificity when we receive a patient's serum and CSF for most of the CNS evaluations?
 
(03:48) Why are these updates and additions important in the larger disease state?
(06:16) Could you expound upon the relationship between the clinical practice and the lab?
 
(08:32) What do these changes mean for patient care?
 
(10:27) What about the inclusion of AMPA in the pediatric evaluation, and the inclusion of IgLON5 with autoimmune axonal?
 
(12:58) How does your lab discern when it's time to add a biomarker?
 
(15:44) What are you most excited about?

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 why measles remains a virus of concern, how avian flu continues to spread, and new developments in the federal regulation of laboratory-developed tests.
Their discussion includes:
How a person infected with measles recently traveled through a U.S. airport, and the severity of the measles virus.The continued deadly spread of avian flu among wild birds, domestic poultry, and cattle, and the infection of a third human.Avian flu vaccine development and the importance of emergency preparedness.The American Clinical Laboratory Association’s (ACLA) lawsuit against the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding the agency’s final rule to treat laboratory-developed tests as medical devices.

Divyanshu Dubey, M.B.B.S., explains how Mayo Clinic Laboratories' unique PDE10A and TRIM46 assays facilitate care for central nervous system disorders triggered by cancer. Early diagnosis and treatment are important for managing disabling neurological symptoms and malignancy.
(00:32) Could you tell us a bit about your background and your role at Mayo Clinic?
 
(01:26) How do the tests that are coming live relate to the larger disease state of neurological disorders?
 
(02:44) Can you share a little bit about the methodology we're using for these particular biomarkers? 
 
(05:15) How was PDE10A discovered?
 
(06:48) Anything you would add?
 
(07:50) Remind us which phenotype-specific assays these biomarkers are being added to, and how physicians should determine whether this testing is appropriate?
 
(09:55) What does early detection of these biomarkers mean for the patient's prognosis, diagnosis, treatment, etc.?
 
(12:33) What are you most excited about with the launch of these tests?

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 Peter Lucas, M.D., Ph.D., vice chair of Research for the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology (DLMP) at Mayo Clinic. 
Their discussion includes:
 Dr. Lucas’ extensive pathology and research background and his journey to Mayo Clinic. His goals for expanding DLMP’s research activities and advancing innovation in diagnostics.How laboratory research has evolved over his career and how researchers can continue to make progress despite obstacles.The importance of having good mentors, collaborating with others, staying curious, and remaining persistent to achieve goals.

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 Matthew Binnicker, Ph.D., professor of laboratory medicine and pathology and clinical virologist at Mayo Clinic. They discuss the widespread outbreaks of H5N1 bird flu and the new “FLiRT” variants of COVID-19.
Specific topics of discussion include:
The current situation of avian flu activity across the world and throughout the United States, including outbreaks in poultry, U.S. dairy cows, and one recent human case.How this outbreak is different than previous ones, and the current public health risk.Resources for testing humans for avian flu.What we know about the new “FLiRT” variants of COVID-19 and how they might impact public health in the months ahead.

Robert Jenkins, M.D., Ph.D., Stephanie Smoley, CG(ASCP), and Beth Pitel, M.S., explain how Mayo Clinic Laboratories' augmented MayoComplete Solid Tumor Panel better profiles tumor genetics. Defining tumor pathogenesis can guide targeted cancer therapy. 
(00:31) Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background — Beth?
 
(01:24) Stephanie, what about you?
 
(01:42) Dr. Jenkins, a little bit about yourself and your background, please?
 
(02:25) Could you provide a brief overview of the new MayoComplete Solid Tumor assay and the enhancements we've provided?
(04:02) What changes did you incorporate into the test?
 
(04:57) Why are copy number variants and loss of heterozygosity important, and how are they used in patient care?
 
(07:12) Does including these genes guide patient care in a more valuable way?
 
(07:51) What alternative test options are available and how do they compare to the MayoComplete Solid Tumor Panel?
 
(10:27) Is having many options available in a one-stop shop important to help guide patient management?
 
(11:57) Do you have anything else you'd like to add about the MCSTP enhancements and what the new test assay will deliver in terms of clinical utility or patient care?