May 17, 2017 | Digital Pathology, Instruments & Equipment, Laboratory Instruments & Laboratory Equipment, Laboratory Management and Operations, Laboratory News, Laboratory Operations, Laboratory Pathology, Laboratory Testing, Management & Operations
Genomics is quickly becoming the foundational disruptor technology on which many new and powerful clinical laboratory tests and procedures will be based
Genomics testing has become accessible, affordable, and in some instances, life-saving. Clinical laboratories and pathology groups are handling more genomic data each year, and the trend does not appear to be slowing down. Here are current trends in genomic research that soon could be bringing new capabilities to medical laboratories nationwide.
Improved Data Sharing
Sometimes genetic tests don’t translate into better outcomes for patients because medical labs are limited in how they can share genomic data. Thus, experts from various disciplines are seeking ways to integrate genomic data sharing into the hospital and laboratory clinical workflow in a form that’s easily accessible to doctors. (more…)
May 6, 2013 | Digital Pathology, Laboratory Management and Operations, Laboratory News, Laboratory Pathology
Because of isolation from the worldwide DNA pool for the past 1,200 years, Faroese population is vulnerable to recessive gene disorders
Because of the dramatic—and still falling—cost of DNA sequencing, an ambitious project is launching with the goal of sequencing the full DNA of all 50,000 residents of the Faroe Islands. When completed, this project has the potential to reshape molecular diagnostics and clinical laboratory testing.
FarGen is the name of this effort and pathologists and clinical laboratory managers will want to follow its progress. Organizers of this unique effort expect that it will speed up the use of personalized medicine in mainstream medicine. This tiny, self-governing Danish land, located between Iceland and Norway, is moving forward with plans to decipher complete DNA sequences for every one of its 50,000 citizens. (more…)
Jan 21, 2013 | Compliance, Legal, and Malpractice, Digital Pathology, Laboratory News, Laboratory Pathology
Pathologists and clinical laboratory managers will likely learn next year whether Myriad’s gene patents will stand
In the ongoing debate about gene patents, the nation’s highest legal authority is about to weigh in on the question. The Supreme Court has agreed to hear the Myriad Genetics patent case in the upcoming term. The case turns on whether human genes can be patented.
Will Clinical Labs Need to Pay Royalties for Using Human Gene Patents?
How the high court rules on this matter has significant implications for clinical laboratories and pathology groups throughout the United States. That’s because holders of patents on human genes require medical laboratories to pay royalties for the clinical testing they perform. (more…)
Mar 31, 2010 | Laboratory News, Laboratory Pathology
Pathology labs would generally benefit if Judge Sweet’s ruling is upheld on appeal
It was positive news for many clinical pathology laboratories when a judge ruled against Myriad Genetics and the University of Utah Research Foundation in the federal suit attacking its patents for the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. The suit was brought by a group of patients, medical organizations and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).
In Association for Molecular Pathology, et al v. U.S. Patent and Trademark Office 09-civ-4515, pathologist groups, patient advocacy groups, and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) are challenging patents for the BRCA I and BRCA II genes which are held by the University of Utah and licensed exclusively to Myriad Genetics, Inc., (NASDAQ:MYGN) of Salt Lake City, Utah.
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Feb 12, 2010 | Laboratory News, Laboratory Pathology, Uncategorized
Court case will directly affect future development of new pathology and molecular tests
In New York’s Southern District Court, a trial is underway that tests the legality of patenting genes. In Association for Molecular Pathology, et al v. U.S. Patent and Trademark Office 09-civ-4515, pathologist groups, patient advocacy groups, and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) are challenging patents for the BRCA I and BRCA II genes which are held by the University of Utah and licensed exclusively to Myriad Genetics, Inc., of Salt Lake City, Utah.
Many experts believe this lawsuit has the potential to produce new case law that addresses the ability of individuals and companies to hold patents on human genes. A ruling in favor of either party in the lawsuit will directly affect the clinical laboratory testing industry and diagnostic tests that utilize gene-based technologies.
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