Molecular and Genomic Pathology Services (MGPS)
The Molecular and Genomic Pathology Services (MGPS) laboratory in the Division of Pathology is a CLIA-certified and CAP-accredited laboratory that performs high-complexity, laboratory-developed (LDT) and FDA-approved testing for infectious diseases, oncology, and immunology. Since its inception in 1996, the lab has grown to encompass these disciplines and now performs over 35,000 tests annually. MGPS emphasizes excellent patient care with tests optimized for fast turnaround time using limited sample volume or tissue size.
The vision of the MGPS laboratory is to expand its services into clinical cancer genomics using high-throughput sequencing technologies and to build upon its infectious disease menu, continuing to offer testing on a wide variety of specimen types. Given the expertise of tissue-based diagnosis and interpretation in the Anatomic Pathology laboratory, MGPS molecular testing is tightly integrated with the surgical pathology and hematopathology services. We also pride ourselves on effective communication and consultation with clinicians and clients.
Expertise in Infectious Disease Testing
We provide advanced molecular testing to detect, quantify, and monitor infectious agents. As one of the first laboratories in the country to offer viral load monitoring for transplant patients, we bring decades of experience to every sample we analyze. We offer testing on various sample types, including specialized specimens such as amniotic, pericardial, pleural, synovial, and vitreous/aqueous fluids, as well as fresh and formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue. Our lab’s commitment to high-quality molecular diagnostics ensures accurate, timely results to support patient care and clinical decision-making.
In 2023, we became the only clinical laboratory offering a specific assay for low-risk Human Papillomavirus (HPV) types 6 and 11, designed to improve the diagnosis and management of recurrent respiratory papillomatosis.
Advancing Oncology and Genomic Testing
In 2021, we expanded our capabilities to include oncology testing, focusing on the detection and monitoring of genetic alterations in pediatric tumors. The MGPS laboratory performs high-throughput comprehensive pediatric cancer panel testing (CinCSeq), interrogating more than 600 genes for the identification of clinically significant genomic alterations in DNA and RNA for diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic decisions for pediatric cancer patients. The test is highly optimized for small tissues and neoplasms with inherently low tumor cellularity, such as histiocytosis and vascular tumors. For histiocytosis patients, the MGPS lab offers the ultra-high-sensitive HistioTrakTM test to determine BRAF V600E mutation load using peripheral blood to monitor disease status.
Immunology Testing for Autoimmune Disorders
We specialize in autoantibody testing to support the diagnosis of systemic autoimmune disorders. By detecting anti-nuclear and anti-cytoplasmic antibodies, our testing helps clinicians assess conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren’s syndrome, scleroderma, hepatitis, and mixed connective tissue diseases.
We use gold-standard methodologies, including Indirect Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA) and ELISA, to ensure precise results. Our highly trained technologists expertly interpret IFA patterns, providing both a pattern classification and a titer measurement to indicate antibody strength. These insights, combined with other clinical findings, help guide diagnosis and patient care.
Contact Us
For more information about our testing services, specimen requirements, or research collaborations, please contact the MGPS laboratory.
