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Cytogenetics and Molecular Diagnostics

The Division of Cytogenetics and Molecular Pathology provides comprehensive genetic services to patients in the region. It consists of an integrated cytogenetics laboratory created by the merging of the LIJ and Manhasset laboratories in 2009 and the Molecular Genetics laboratory, both providing high quality genetic testing.  The creation of a single laboratory also permits the development and implementation of new tests as well as research opportunities.
 
The Cytogenetics Laboratory is a full service laboratory providing comprehensive services that include both cytogenetic analysis and fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) assays for genetic and neoplastic disorders.  The specimens processed include amniotic fluid, chorionic villi, products of conception, and skin biopsy, peripheral blood (neonatal and adult), leukemic blood, bone marrow and solid neoplasms.
 
The Molecular Genetics Laboratory provides testing based on nucleic acid analysis in the Genetics and Oncology areas. Testing includes mutation analysis for common diseases, population screening for Cystic Fibrosis, clonality studies in lymphomas, and translocation detection in leukemias and lymphomas. Since July 2009 new methods have been validated and implemented.
 
Accurate and timely results, expert interpretation and consultation services from the laboratory aids referring physicians, including oncologists, hematologists, pathologists, obstetricians and geneticists, in the appropriate diagnosis and management of their patients.
 

The laboratory is accredited by CLIA and participates in the New York State and CAP proficiency testing programs for Cytogenetics FISH and Molecular Genetics.

 

Experience

The Division performs more than 27,000 cytogenetic/FISH and molecular tests annually on the specimen types listed above. Utilizing state of the art technologies, a quality-focused dedicated staff and professional expertise, we provide the highest quality results and consultations.

 

Expertise

Expert Consultation

  • Dr. Jordan Laser, Senior Director, Division of Cytogenetics and Molecular Genetics. Dr. Laser was trained as an anatomic and clinical pathologist at NYU Medical Center, with subsequent fellowship training in molecular genetic pathology. He is board certified in anatomic, clinical and molecular genetic pathology. 
  • Dr. Chandrika Sreekantaiah, Chief of Cytogenetics, is certified in Clinical Cytogenetics by the American Board of Medical Genetics. She has over 25 years of clinical and research experience in prenatal, postnatal and cancer cytogenetics and molecular cytogenetics, in hospital, academic and commercial settings. She has published extensively with over 60 original research and review articles in the field of cytogenetics and molecular cytogenetics and is on the editorial board of Cancer Genetics and Cytogenetics and Cytogenetics and Genome Research.
  • Dr. Silvia Spitzer, Chief of Molecular Pathology, is board-certified in molecular diagnostics and has 15 years of experience in the areas of hematopathology, genetics and microbiology. Her work has been published in journals and presented in national meetings. She also gives workshops in this field.

Timely Results

Results from the Cytogenetics Laboratory can generally be supplied in 3-5 days after receiving the samples for FISH and in less than two weeks for metaphase cytogenetics.

Turnaround time for testing depends on the type of test that is performed. The Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory can usually provide results for simple PCR testing in 3-5 days after the sample is received and in less than two weeks for more complex analyses.
 

Tests

Cytogenetic and Molecular Cytogenetic Testing

The Cytogenetics laboratory offers conventional cytogenetic and FISH analysis of the following specimens:

  • Peripheral blood
  • Amniotic fluid
  • Chorion Villi
  • Products of conception
  • Fetal tissue
  • Skin fibroblasts
  • Bone marrow
  • Leukemic blood
  • Malignant tissue
 

Molecular Cytogenetic testing includes FISH analysis of:

  • Prenatal specimens
  • Peripheral blood or tissue for constitutional disorders and bone marrow
  • Leukemic blood or solid tumor for oncology specimens

 

Molecular Testing

The Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory evaluates inherited disorders, leukemias and lymphomas utilizing state-of-the-art technologies and procedures. It offers testing for Cystic Fibrosis, Factor V Leiden, Factor II mutation, JAK-2 quantification, T- & B-cell receptor/gene rearrangement and t(9;22) translocation among other assays. It currently uses real time PCR, DNA hybridization, capillary electrophoresis and microfluidics to screen, diagnose and monitor cancer patients. Additional tests are in development to better serve our patients.
 

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