Molecular Diagnostics

Molecular Diagnostics is the most rapidly growing clinical laboratory at the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics (UWHC). The UWHC Molecular Diagnostics laboratory is accredited by the College of American Pathologists (CAP) and currently conducts over 35,000 tests annually. Consistent with our mission to comprehensively support our UW Health patients and clinicians in providing the most clinically beneficial testing, our Molecular lab menu has steadily grown in all applications ranging from infectious disease, genetic, pharmarcogenetic and oncology testing. We currently offer quantitative viral testing for HIV-1, HCV, HBV, CMV, Polyoma BKV, and EBV along with qualitative viral testing for CMV, EBV, HSV1, HSV2 and VZV. In addition, we conduct molecular based screening for high risk HPV strains and provide genotyping for HPV 16 and 18 viruses. We offer bacterial identification by DNA sequencing of 16s rDNA and screen for bacterial contamination of platelet products prior to transfusion by real time PCR. Genetic testing is provided to assess likelihood of response to interferon therapy and to evaluate predisposition to thrombophilia and iron overloading. Moreover, we conduct microsatellite STR analyses for numerous applications such as monitoring engraftment following stem cell transplantation, and providing definitive diagnosis of graft versus host disease. Currently, we are providing molecular based profiling of tumors (KRAS, BRAF, EGFR) in order to provide for an overall more effective and individualized anti-cancer therapy.