Molecular Pathology

We are a fully accredited molecular laboratory devoted to serving the Allina, outreach patient

and physician populations.

We employ highly specialized techniques such
as the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), reverse
transcriptase- polymerase chain reaction
(rt-PCR), and Southern blotting to examine the
human genome for alterations.

Genetic counseling is available by calling the
Allina Molecular Diagnostics Lab. The Molec-
ular Diagnostic Lab's team of certified genetic

Southern Blot
demonstrating
immunoglobulin
heavy chain
rearrangement.

counselors will help with any questions about the test or issues for families.

Test offerings:
K-ras mutations	K-ras mutations are present in many solid tumors including 95% of pancreatic and bile duct carcinomas. Use of this technique, in combination with routine cytology, markedly increases diagnostic sensitivity.
B and T cell gene rearrangement	These tests are used in the evaluation of lymphomas and leukemias. Our laboratory performs PCR screening tests, and Southern blot confirmation. In the majority of cases, we have been successful in obtaining results using both of these techniques on paraffin-embedded tissues. This is a service that is not available in other molecular laboratories.
HIV quantification	This testing includes ultra-sensitive HIV quantification and correlation with CD4 counts.
Factor V Leiden mutation analysis	The Leiden mutation of the Factor V protein is the most common genetic cause of venous thrombosis. This mutation can be diagnosed through the DNA analysis of a drop of blood. This test is superior to alternatives because it leads to a convenient, cost-effective, definitive diagnosis of the condition even in anti-coagulated patients.
Factor II prothrombin mutation analysis
Hereditary hemochromatosis mutation analysis

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