Molecular Diagnostics Consultative Services
The department of Molecular Diagnostics at the University of Toledo Medical Center
offers expert consultation from a subspecialty trained, board
certified,
clinical pathologist in the following areas: genetics, pharmacogenetics,
malignant solid tumor diagnostics, molecular hematopathology, and molecular infectious
diseases. Official consultative reports regarding testing
in the area of molecular pathology can be obtained for recommendations regarding specific
types of testing in common and uncommon disease states.
With the advent of new molecular pharmacogenetic analysis, it has become increasingly
more important to assess the complex interplay between our genes
and drug therapy. An example of personalized medicine using molecular genetics is
with CYP450 2c19 sequence variants and the effectiveness of
the drug Clopidogrel (Plavix). Clopidogrel therapeutic efficacy has recently been
shown to vary according to genetic variations in the enzyme
CYP450 2c19 which metabolizes the drug. Certain genetic variants in CYP450 2c19 result
in little to no production of the active metabolite of
clopidogrel resulting in lack of platelet inhibition and an increased risk of myocardial
Infarction (MI) and death after cardiac catheterization and
stent placement. Testing for these genetic variants is available for this condition
and can guide physicians to the appropriate therapy choice.
This type of personalized medicine has also become particularly useful for patients
with malignant solid tumors and hematopoietic malignancies.
For a formal consultation in Molecular Diagnostics please complete the
Editable
Molecular Diagnostics Consultation Request Form and Fax the form to the Attention of Sherry Bice at (419) 383-3066. For further
information
please contact the department secretary at (419) 383-3752.
