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 2011, overall test volumes for molecular oncology testing have grown dramatically, with a calculated doubling time of 2.5 years. In total, the laboratory performs over 80000 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 ten Medical Technologists.

Latest News

Northwestern Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory is a Roche Molecular Center of Excellence!

The Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory at Northwestern Memorial Hospital has been named a Roche Molecular Center of Excellence.  The prestigious distinction of Roche Molecular Center of Excellence (MCOE) is awarded to those laboratories that have demonstrated commitment to the field of molecular diagnostics testing. These laboratories have dedicated themselves to achieve high standards, become proficient in certification and management, and employ highly trained personnel. The Roche MCOE distinction enables a spirit of collaboration and networking between all respective members. MCOE members meet regularly to promote idea exchange, best practices, technical insight, etc. The MCOE members in turn will aid Roche in the development of new products as well as the early validation of products prior to market entrance.  The Roche MCOE Program is designed to foster an alliance network that enables non-competing laboratories across the U.S. to collaborate and capitalize on scientific knowledge in molecular testing and accelerate the advancement and adoption of new test methods and technology.

New tests!

1. CF mutation detection using the Luminex 200 system. This enables specific detection of 70 specific ACOG recommended mutations.

2. Coagulation testing on real-time PCR platform (Lightcycler) speeds turnaround time and advantage of FDA-approved method.

3. Genetic tests screening for high frequency mutations in the Ashkenazi patient population on Luminex 200 system.

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

4. KRAS mutational testing by Trimgen Shifted Termination Assay

5. Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)

6. Influenza testing (including H1N1)