Answers from the Lab Mayo Clinic Laboratories

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?

Rapidly progressive dementia covers many conditions, including Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease (CJD). Gregory (Gregg) Day, M.D., explains how Mayo Clinic Laboratories' new evaluations help identify the cause of rapidly progressive dementia, to guide prognosis and treatment decisions.
Show notes
Speaker 3: (00:32) Can you provide a little background about your role here at Mayo Clinic and experience with this disease state?
 
Speaker 3: (01:21) Can you give us an understanding of rapidly progressive dementia? How is it different and what should physicians be looking for?
 
Speaker 3: (03:13) You mentioned "syndromic" and that there are several diseases underneath that, one of them being Creutzfeldt-Jacob. Can you explain the others in a bit more detail? What makes them each unique under the heading of rapidly progressive dementias?
 
Speaker 3: (05:29) Does that encompass it: prion diseases, then the neurodegenerative bucket, then autoimmune?
 
Speaker 3: (06:03) Can you speak to the components of the new Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease-specific evaluation and the rapidly progressive dementia evaluation, and the assays that they're performed on?
 
Speaker 3: (09:30) Anything you want to add to that summary of the assays' components?
 
Speaker 3: (11:09) Can you explain the role — or lack thereof — of the 14-3-3 protein biomarker, according to our research?
 
Speaker 3: (13:44) Which patients should get this testing, and who should not?
 
Speaker 3: (17:22) What does it mean if the results come back positive and if the results come back negative?
 
Speaker 3: (21:57) What are you most excited about with 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 Eric Hsi, M.D., chair of the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology at Mayo Clinic. 
Their discussion includes:
Dr. Hsi’s experience in the field of pathology and what he is looking forward to working on as the new chair of the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology (DLMP) at Mayo Clinic.Some common challenges facing laboratory professionals today and ways to overcome them.Advancements and trends in pathology and staying current with new developments.Words of advice for pathologists who are beginning their careers.

Paul Jannetto, Ph.D., explains the advantages that Mayo Clinic Laboratories' oral fluid drug screening offers over typical urine tests. Oral samples are easier to collect and harder to adulterate.
(00:32) Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your background?
 
(01:46) Can you please provide an overview of laboratory testing for substance use disorders and specifically Mayo Clinic's new oral fluid controlled substance monitoring option?
 
(03:47) Which patients should have this testing and when should it be performed?
 
(05:16) What alternative test options are available and how do these compare?
 
(06:31) How are the results used in patient care?