A Stroll Through The Genetic Neighborhood

NeoGenomics Laboratories specializes in genetic and molecular testing, the fastest growing testing market, with facilities built for speed and accuracy. NeoGenomics Laboratories uses advanced testing algorithms to expedite accurate diagnostic and prognostic genetic test results, automating aspects of both parts of the lab process (wetlabs and analytics). Depending on the precise test being performed, NeoGenomics can generally cut test result turnaround time in half. And when it comes to illnesses as serious as cancer, early detection and commencement of treatment regimens are vitally important.

What are the various kinds of genetic tests that patients can undergo? Four different genetic platform technologies exist to answer the clinician’s questions. By way of analogy, imagine a Norman Rockwell style neighborhood of tree-lined street and picket-fenced houses.

The first technology platform, chromosome analysis or cytogenetics, gives us a great view of the entire neighborhood, with the individual’s chromosomes standing in for forty-six houses lining the street. A wide variety of abnormalities can be identified using cytogenetics, providing both diagnostic and prognostic information. Acute leukemias, lymphomas, chronic myeloid and lymphoid disorders are examined cytogenetically in order to establish the exact nature of the acquired genetic change. In most leukemias and lymphomas, changes in chromosome number (ploidy) or chromosome structure (rearrangements) are often observed.

Flow Cytometry allows us to drop down a little closer to street level so we can get a good view of the shrubbery, the walkways and the details of a particular house from, say, five hundred feet. This test analyzes clusters of differentiation or “markers” on cell surfaces and is a rapid way to measure the characteristics of individual cells. Hematopoietic cells obtained from blood, bone marrow, core biopsies or lymph nodes are labeled with selective fluorescent antibodies and quantified according to their surface antigens. These fluorescent antibodies bind to specific leukemic cells in a pattern of antigen expression that is used to identify particular malignant cell types. Panels of antibodies are often used to help define which malignant cell types are present.

Next we have FISH, or Fluorescence in situ Hybridization, which brings us directly onto street level so we can see the doors and windows (or genes) on the houses (chromosomes) around us.  Analyzing abnormalities at the gene level, FISH can help identify subtle structural rearrangements, variant chromosomes, and sub-microscopic changes not readily discernable by classic cytogenetics. FISH utilizes DNA probes comprised of specific nucleic acid sequences tagged with a fluorescent marker and relies on three technologies: cytogenetics, DNA hybridization, and fluorescence microscopy to provide another level of laboratory testing.

Last but not least, NeoGenomics has the ability to test at the molecular level, to get close enough to look at the serial numbers on the front door lock, the analogy here being the DNA base pair sequences. With this kind of test, you lose perspective of the neighborhood, but you do learn a lot about a patient’s DNA.  Finally, NeoGenomics complements all four of these genetic technology platforms with the more classic or standard pathology approach to disease. 

The company’s vision is to develop a network of regional cancer genetic testing labs that are seamlessly integrated, technologically state-of the art, full service, and strategically located. These NeoGenomics “regional labs” would be serviced by local courier networks, connected to each other via the Neo “backbone,” and serve the needs of clients throughout the U.S.  We would be delighted to set up an interview for you to speak with NeoGenomics’ President and Chief Scientific Officer Robert Gasparini about this unique testing services model. In the meantime, I encourage you to visit NeoGenomics to learn more.