DAYTON, Ohio -- Dermatopathology Laboratory of Central States (DLCS has joined the few select laboratories in the United States performing DNA fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) as an adjunct in diagnosis of ambiguous melanocytic lesions. The addition of the in-house test, using the Abbott Molecular Vysis probes used to originally develop the assay, provides significant advantage with regard to performance, turnaround time, and costs.

FISH uses four fluorescently labeled DNA probes to show amplification or deletion of target genes associated with melanoma. FISH is relevant in challenging, ambiguous cases, as an adjunct in differentiating malignant from benign lesions. This FISH testing is normally covered by insurance under CPT code 88367.

“We’re excited to be making these next moves into the molecular arena”, said Dr. John C Moad, DLCS Laboratory Director. “Melanoma is the number one killer in skin cancer. Diagnosis is usually straight forward. However, a small but significant number of cases are very challenging. Melanoma FISH can help us make the right call in a number of these ambiguous cases. Genetic abnormalities identified by FISH can be extremely valuable in certain lesions where even experts can have doubt. We have achieved comparable sensitivity and specificity to those published by Drs. Pedram Gerami and Boris Bastian at Northwestern University and the Dermatopathology Service at University of California San Francisco respectively. We thank them for their help and contribution.”

DLCS adopted early use of this test when the in-house technical component was unavailable in the U.S. to all except a few academic and commercial labs. Our pathologists were trained, and have been performing test interpretation (professional component) since 2010. In January 2013, DLCS and Abbott agreed that the probes utilized to perform the test for the technical portion (TC) would be made available to DLCS. Validation of the test was completed Aug 18, 2013 and the tests is now available.

For information on this test, please contact Dr. Michael Kent, DLCS Translational Scientist at (800) 532-3232 or mkent@dermpathlab.com.

ABOUT DLCS

Dermatopathology Laboratory of Central States (DLCS) is an independent, national dermatopathology laboratory whose goal is to provide physicians with accurate diagnoses of skin biopsies. DLCS has a focus on quality, efficient service, and education – all essential to our dedication to patient care. For additional information about DLCS, visit www.dermpathlab.com