Our technicians are certified by the American College of Pathologists and are highly skilled in complex testing methodologies. Every test result is reviewed by a board-certified pathologist and correlated with clinical findings to ensure the highest level of accuracy.
We can perform more than 1,200 different diagnostics tests. Some of our specialties include the following:
Everolimus Testing
Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center Diagnostic Laboratories is one of the few certified labs in the country to perform everolimus (Brand names: Afinitor, Zortress) testing. Everolimus is an immunosuppressant is to prevent the rejection of organ transplants in kidney and liver transplant recipients.
Approved by the FDA, this high profile test of everolimus is performed by certified medical laboratory technologists in the Core Laboratory at North Carolina Baptist Hospital and Wake Forest School of Medicine using the Beckman Coulter AU680 Chemistry Autoanalyzer. QMS Everolimus testing is a turbidimetric immunoassay.
As one of the first laboratories in the United States to offer this groundbreaking technology, our highly trained physicians and staff are experts in everolimus testing, interpretation and consultation, and the rapidly developing technology.
Molecular Infectious Disease Testing
Wake Forest Diagnostic Laboratories, a CAP certified laboratory, uses state-of-the-art technology for all molecular infectious testing. Our staff of experienced board certified medical laboratory scientists and pathologists ensure each test is done accurately and efficiently.
Molecular testing is a preferred method of testing for two important reasons:
- Sensitivity: Molecular testing can detect a very small number of organisms in each sample, increasing the likelihood of making an accurate diagnosis of the infectious process.
- Speed: A typical molecular test can be performed in 24 hours or less.
Wake Forest Diagnostics Laboratories is able to provide an array of molecular tests including:
| Assays | Intended for |
|---|---|
| Adenovirus Qualitative PCR | Diagnosis of adenovirus infection in immunocompromised patients, particularly transplant patients |
| BK Virus Quantitative PCR | Diagnosis and monitoring of BK virus infection in post transplant patients |
| B.pertussis/parapertussis PCR | Diagnosis of Bordetella pertussis infection (Whooping Cough) and B. parapertussis. Only symptomatic patients should be tested. |
| CMV PCR Quantitative | Monitoring CMV disease and response to treatment in transplant patients and other immunocompromised patients |
| CMV PCR Qualitative | Diagnosis of CMV disease in immunocompromised patients |
| Epstein Barr Virus Quantitative PCR | Reactivation of latent EBV in immunocompromised patients |
| Enterovirus PCR | Diagnosis of enteroviral meningitis |
| HSV 1 and 2 PCR | Diagnosis of Herpes simplex infection in skin and genital lesions. Note: HSV Pcr in blood samples is for diagnosis of disseminated disease in newborns and immune-suppressed in patient only |
| Influenza A and B by PCR | Diagnosis of influenza infection. Detection of Flu A (Not H1N1), Flu A 2009 H1N1, Flu B |
| Respiratory Viral Panel, PCR | Respiratory Viral Infection in symptomatic patients |
| Varicella Zoster PCR | Diagnosis of active VZV infection in skin lesions and CSF samples |
| HIV RNA Viral Load | Monitoring treatment response in HIV positive patients |
| HCV RNA Viral Load | Monitoring disease progression in chronic HCV infection and/or response to anti-HCV therapy |
| GC/CT PCR | Diagnosis of N. gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis infection. Note: In low-prevalence populations, positive results must be interpreted carefully as false-positive results may occur more frequently then true-positive results in this setting. |
Special Hematology Laboratory
The Special Hematology Laboratory functions as a multi-testing and educational lab for the Medical Center. It specializes in low frequency tests of high complexity and tests presently requested by researchers in the diagnostic arena, the laboratory staff is available for individual test interpretations and assistance with devising suitable testing paradigms for clinical and investigational purposes. The laboratory also serves as support to the Comprehensive Cancer Center's protocol management office. They assist principal investigators in regards to testing and sample accrual with their current and future protocol involvements. They provide cost analysis, specimen processing, storage, sample inventory and shipment to over 200 different protocols utilized by the Medical Center departments of Hematology/Oncology, Neurosurgery and Gynecology.
The laboratory also provides space and laboratory research expertise for Hematology/Oncology Fellows, Pathology residents, Medical students, Medical Center employees and High School students. Hematology/Oncology fellows striving to be board certified in both areas spend one year of their training with Dr. John Owen, Laboratory Medical Director, and a significant amount of time working and researching in the Special Hematology Laboratory. Special research projects are designed to help develop and refine skills in laboratory research, writing, publication and presentations.
Current Clinical Tests Available Include:
- Plasminogen Activity Assay
- Protein S Activity Assay
- MTHFR genotyping
- Viscosity of Plasma
- Viscosity of Whole Blood
- von Willebrand Multimers
- von Willebrand Factor Activity
- von Willebrand Factor Antigen
- Heparin Induced Platelet Antibody
- Protein C Activity Assay
- Factor V Leiden genotyping
- Prothrombin 20210 genotyping
- JAK2 genotyping
- Hemochromatosis genotyping
- Alkaline Phosphatase in Leukocytes (LAP score)
- ADAMTS 13 and Inhibitor (for TTP)
- Osmotic Fragility