News, Analysis, Trends, Management Innovations for
Clinical Laboratories and Pathology Groups
Hosted by Robert Michel

News, Analysis, Trends, Management Innovations for
Clinical Laboratories and Pathology Groups
Hosted by Robert Michel
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New England Journal of Medicine Publishes Study Where Researchers Call Attention to Lack of Knowledge about Some Genes Included in Gene Panel Tests for Inherited Cancers

Sep 25, 2015 | Digital Pathology, Laboratory Instruments & Laboratory Equipment, Laboratory Management and Operations, Laboratory Pathology, Laboratory Testing

Researchers are concerned about the lesser-known genes included in the test and also point out that little published research exists to support use of these genes for clinical laboratory testing

Gene-panel tests for inherited cancers were scrutinized by a group of 17 prominent international genetic researchers in a study published by the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) this summer titled “Gene-Panel Sequencing and the Prediction of Breast-Cancer Risk.” These experts pointed out that, for many of the genes included in these test panels, there remains much uncertainty about their role in various cancers and other diseases.

What will be of greatest interest to pathologist, Ph.D.s, and medical laboratory professionals currently performing molecular diagnostics assays and genetics is that these experts proposed greater regulation of unvalidated gene-panel tests for inherited cancers. In the NEJM, the authors provided some examples of genetic tests, such as those offered by Myriad Genetics, Inc. (NASDAQ:MYGN), Ambry Genetics, Invitae (NYSE:NVTA), and Illumina, Inc. (NASDAQ:ILMN) and noted that risks posed by many mutations occurring on these panels are unknown.

These panel tests can include more than 100 genes, 21 of which are an indication of breast cancer, including BRCA1 and BRCA2, stated the paper. (more…)

Medical Scientists Call for Standard Method for Validating Antibodies Used in Research and Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics

Sep 23, 2015 | Instruments & Equipment, Laboratory News, Laboratory Operations, Laboratory Pathology, Laboratory Testing, Management & Operations

Antibody validation standards would help ensure reproducibility of research studies and improve the consistency medical laboratory test results

As science and industry gets better at measuring things and assessing quality, the acceptable standard often comes into question. This seems to be happening with antibodies, the most common reagents used in diagnostics, clinical laboratory diagnostic tests, and medical research. In many cases, the end result is that companies and their suppliers must use new technologies and quality methods to revise the “old way” and create products that have measurable better quality.

The techniques currently used to validate antibodies is the topic of a recently-published scientific paper. The authors of a paper published in the March, 2010, issue of Biotechniques pointed out, antibody validation and standardization ensure study reproducibility, which is critical to accuracy. And yet, no standard guidelines define how these important biological tools should be validated prior to use.

Thus, researchers participating in a recent webinar, presented by The Scientist expressed concern that—without improved antibody validation and standardization—the accuracy of published research is in question and diagnostic test results, such as those produced by medical laboratories, will continue to be inconsistent. (more…)

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