Clinicians are increasingly using genomic cancer testing in community health care settings, although there are lingering questions about the utility of results. These are the findings of several … [Read more...]
INDUSTRY TRENDS
Adoption Quickening for Genomic Cancer Testing in Community Settings
September 16, 2019
PRECISION MEDICINE
Myriad Genetics Pays $9.1 Million to Settle Hereditary Cancer Test False Billing Claims
August 26, 2019
In March 2018, Myriad Genetics got a piece of mail no lab provider ever wants to see in its inbox: an OIG subpoena asking for billing records in connection with "an investigation into possible false … [Read more...]
LEGISLATION
New Laws: Congress Tables Bill to Make Whole-Genome Sequencing Available to Medicaid Kids
August 26, 2019
In early August, Representatives Scott Peters (D-CA) and John Shimkus (R-IL) introduced in the US House of Representatives a bill to provide "certain undiagnosed children under the Medicaid program" … [Read more...]
EMERGING TESTS
Nonculture Molecular Tests Speed Diagnosis of Bloodstream Infections
August 19, 2019
The T2Bacteria Panel (T2Biosystems; Lexington, Mass.) can rapidly and accurately diagnoses bloodstream infections (BSIs) caused by five common bacteria, according to a study published May 14 in the … [Read more...]
LAB OPERATIONS
Earning our Spot on the Patient-Centered Care Team
August 12, 2019
By Jennifer Dawson, MHA, FACHE, CPHQ, LSSBB, DLM(ASCP)SLS, QIHC, QLC bio There is a lot of talk these days about integrating the laboratory into patient-centered care teams1 and about … [Read more...]
TESTING STRATEGY
Upfront Next-Generation Sequencing for Lung Cancer Patients Saves Time, Money
August 5, 2019
Use of upfront next-generation sequencing (NGS) testing at diagnosis of patients with metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer (mNSCLC) is associated with substantial cost savings, according to a study … [Read more...]
TESTING TRENDS
Genetic Testing Guidelines for Hereditary Cancer Miss Many At Risk
July 28, 2019
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network genetic testing criteria for hereditary cancer miss almost one in five at-risk for breast and ovarian cancer, and more than one in three at-risk for Lynch … [Read more...]
GENETIC TESTING
Expanded Access to Genetic Testing for Cardiomyopathy Is Cost Effective
July 22, 2019
Expansion of genetic testing in asymptomatic relatives of patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) to guide clinical surveillance is cost-effective, according to a study published in Genetics in … [Read more...]
INNOVATION
Multi-Cancer Screening Tests Are Getting Closer to Reality
July 15, 2019
The hope of developing a single blood test capable of detecting multiple types of early-stage cancer is getting closer to becoming a reality. Two hopeful players, GRAIL (Menlo Park, Calif.) and Thrive … [Read more...]
EMERGING TESTS
HPV DNA from Oral Rinse Samples May Be Prognostic Marker for Head, Neck Cancer
June 3, 2019
Samples collected from a mouth rinse can detect human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA. These easily collected samples might provide important monitoring information for patients with certain head and neck … [Read more...]
