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This will take effect May 13, 2013

Overview and Clinical Utility:

PathGroup is now performing HPV Genotyping using the APTIMA HPV 16 18/45 assay by GenProbe. Genotyping will be performed upon client request based on an “HPV Positive – HIGH Risk” result. PathGroup’s HPV Genotyping is a qualitative assay for the three most common HPV genotypes (16, 18 and 45) – associated with approximately 80% of all invasive cervical cancers. This assay allows for rapid risk stratification and is ASCCP recommended for patients who are HPV positive high risk via DNA testing.

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This will take effect May 6, 2013

Overview and Clinical Utility:

Effective May 6, 2013, PathGroup will implement the QuantiFERON®-TB (QFT) Gold in-house test. The QuantiFERON®-TB Gold In-Tube assay is an innovative whole-blood test that measures the cell-mediated immune response of tuberculosis (TB) infected individuals.

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This will take effect April 22, 2013

Overview and Clinical Utility:

PathGroup is now reporting BCR/ABL [t(9:22)(q34;q11)] for confirmed CML patients on the International Scale (IS) of measurement. The efficacy of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) is routinely monitored with serial PCR analysis of BCR/ABL fusion gene expression. The National Comprehensive Care Network goal of therapy is achievement of a “major molecular response” (MMR), defined as a 3-log reduction in BCR/ABL to ABL fusion product. MMR is associated with excellent progression free survival.

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For non-CML patients, click Here to read more.

This will take effect March 28, 2013

Overview and Clinical Utility:

Effective March 28, 2013, PathGroup will implement in-house testing for 1,5 Anhydroglucitol (GlycoMark®). GlycoMark® is a newly FDA approved blood test which measures 1,5 anhydroglucitol (1,5-AG), a glucose analogue in serum or EDTA plasma, for the intermediate-term monitoring of glycemic control in individuals with diabetes.

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This will take effect February 4, 2013

Overview and Clinical Utility:

Effective February 4, 2013 PathGroup will implement ImmunoCAP allergy testing on the Phadia 250. ImmunoCAP specific IgE is an in vitro quantitative assay which measures the concentration of circulating allergen specific IgE in human serum or plasma samples. It is intended for in vitro diagnostic use as an aid in the clinical diagnosis of IgE mediated allergic disorders in conjunction with other clinical findings.

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This will take effect January 28, 2013

Overview and Clinical Utility:

Effective January 28, 2013, PathGroup will implement in-house testing for Fibrinogen and Factor VIII Activity.  Fibrinogen is a coagulation factor (Factor I) produced by the liver, and is essential for blood clot formation.  Low levels of fibrinogen are associated with bleeding commonly secondary to liver disease or Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC).  Fibrinogen is an acute phase reactant and elevated levels may be associated with inflammation.  Increased concentrations are associated with increased risk of atherosclerosis.

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This will take effect January 7, 2013

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This will take effect December 1, 2012

Overview and Clinical Utility:

PathGroup’s Elizabethtown Patient Service Center will be moving from its current address (suite location) to a new address (suite location) effective December 1, 2012.  Contact information and operational hours remain unchanged.

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This will take effect October 26, 2012

Overview and Clinical Utility:

The Cervical DNA Dtex testing process has recently been improved and enhanced.  These improvements resulted in a lower abnormal cell threshold for test positivity as well as the establishment of a new threshold for test positivity based on excessive tetraploidy, as follows:

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