Welcome to the Molecular Pathology Laboratory at Northwestern!

Overview
The Diagnostic Molecular Pathology Laboratory at Northwestern Memorial Hospital is a full-service state-of-the-art diagnostic laboratory that performs nucleic acid detection-based diagnostic tests in the areas of hematologic malignancies, inherited disorders (genetic testing), and infectious diseases. In addition, a molecular epidemiology service is also affiliated with the lab.

As of 2004, test volumes for molecular oncology testing have grown dramatically, with a calculated doubling time of 2.5 years. The projected volume of tests for 2007 will exceed 2006 volumes by an estimated 48%. In total, the laboratory performs over 40000 tests annually taking advantage of cutting edge automated and semi-automated technology.

The staff of the laboratory consists of a Medical Director (Anjen Chenn, M. D., Ph. D.) and two Assistant Directors (David Engman, M. D., Ph. D., and Yijun Zhu, M. D., Ph. D.). Dr. Chenn is Board-Certified in both Clinical Pathology and Molecular Genetic Pathology. The professional staff consists of a Manager and seven Medical Technologists.

Latest News

Tests currently in validation

1. CF mutation detection using the Luminex 200 system. This will enable specific detection of 25 specific ACOG recommended mutations (with an additional 45 less common mutations to total 70), and will eliminate send out of confirmatory testing.
2. Coagulation testing will move onto a real-time PCR platform to speed turnaround time and take advantage of FDA-approved testing protocols
3. Currently NMH sends out a panel of genetic tests screening for high frequency mutations in the Ashkenazi patient population. We are currently bringing this testing online with our Luminex 200 system. The initial anticipated annual volume will be approximately 100-200/each mutation, with further growth anticipated with the opening of the new Women’s Hospital in 2008.

ASHKENAZI CARRIER PANEL mutations
Canavan
Tay-Sachs
Blooms
Niemann-Pick
Familial Dysautonomia
Gaucher
Glycogen Storage Disease
Mucolipidosis
Fanconi Anemia