Molecular and Genomic Pathology Services (MGPS)
Molecular and Genomic Pathology Services (MGPS), part of the Division of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at Cincinnati Children’s, was established as a clinical laboratory in 1996 and has been accredited by the College of American Pathologists (CAP) since 2001. Our staff includes laboratory professionals with a wide range of experience and education, combining Medical Lab Scientists with clinical backgrounds and molecular specialists with research backgrounds.
As one of the first laboratories in the country to offer viral load monitoring for transplant patients, we bring a wealth of experience and skill to each sample we test. Dating back to 2003, we have provided quantitative PCR testing for infectious agents such as:
- Adenovirus
- Cytomegalovirus
- Epstein-Barr Virus
- BK Virus
- Human Herpes Virus 6
- Parvovirus
Our tests can be ordered on a wide range of specimen types. We accept the most common specimens such as whole blood, CSF, BAL, plasma, stool, swabs, and urine. Additionally, we accept more esoteric specimens such as body fluids and tissues. Some examples include:
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In 2021, we launched oncology testing for detection and monitoring of genetic alterations with an initial focus on pediatric somatic tumors. Ongoing validation of next-generation sequencing panels will bolster our ability to contribute an array of crucial information to the patient’s clinical picture and potentially aid in treatment decisions.
Notably, in 2023 we began testing for low-risk Human Papillomavirus types 6 and 11, becoming the only laboratory with a clinical assay that specifically distinguishes these pathogens from respiratory tract specimens to improve management of patients with recurrent respiratory papillomatosis.
The lab utilizes state-of-the-art equipment to provide accurate results with a rapid turnaround time, including:
- Roche MagNA Pure for nucleic acid extraction
- Diasorin Molecular, LLC Liaison MDX Cycler
- ABI 7500 Real-Time PCR system
- BioFire FilmArray
- Bio-Rad QX200 Droplet Digital PCR System
- Illumina NextSeq550 and NextSeq2000
