DUHS Clinical Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory
The DUHS Clinical Molecular Diagnostics (MDx) Laboratory is part of the DUHS Molecular Pathology, Genetics & Genomics (MPGG) Division, which also includes the Clinical Cytogenetics Laboratory. The two laboratories within MPGG share a common space with administrative and medical oversight provided by the DUHS Department of Pathology.
Areas of Expertise
The Clinical Molecular Diagnostics laboratory has two primary clinical strengths. The first is molecular testing of lymphomas and leukemias. We work closely with other DUHS Molecular Pathology laboratories, including the Clinical Cytogenetics, Flow Cytometry, and Immunohistochemistry laboratories to provide an integrated approach to detecting disease-specific diagnostic and prognostic molecular markers. We are constantly expanding this coordinated approach to develop the most advanced and clinically useful assays for our lymphoma and leukemia patients.
Our second major strength is molecular testing in medical genetics and rare diseases. We routinely perform a number of DNA-based tests for both diagnostic evaluation and carrier screening for inherited genetic diseases. These studies are also performed in close coordination with our Clinical Cytogenetics Laboratory to provide an integrated service to our patients and health care provider clients.
How to Request Clinical Molecular Genetics Tests
We offer a wide variety of diagnostic molecular genetics tests. Details about all of our tests can be found in our test catalog: Test Catalogue: MDx
Requests for testing from our laboratory can be made by a US licensed health care provider on behalf of their patient. Health care providers who have not used the services of our laboratory previously and whose practice is outside of the Duke University Health system can request testing by including a completed the test requisition form with the patient’s sample. For Duke providers, please use electronic order entry through our Epic LIS.
We are only able to bill institutions; we cannot bill a patient’s insurance directly.
Test results are sent to the ordering health care provider, not to the patient directly. However, testing ordered by a Duke provider will be available to the patient through MyChart. We recommend the ordering provider be prepared to explain test results to their patient. If you need help with test result interpretation, then please contact our laboratory genetic counselor.
Test Requisition Forms
We have two different test request forms. If you are unsure which is the correct form to use, then please contact the laboratory. Please be as complete as possible when filling out these forms. If your patient is within the Duke system and you are a Duke health care provider, then please use the electronic order entry system in Epic. If you are a provider outside of the DUHS system, then please contact the laboratory if you are unsure which form to complete or if you need additional information.
Comprehensive Test Requisition Form
Hereditary Test Requisition Form
Informed Consent
For some tests, patient informed consent is required. Informed consent requirements are noted on the test requisition forms. Informed consent is the responsibility of the ordering health care provider. We do not have separate consent forms for patients. No testing will be performed without a physician of record who is able to consent their patient.
Sample Shipment
Samples from outside the Duke system should be transported overnight with the completed test requisition form via Fed-Ex or UPS to:
Duke University Health System
Molecular Genetics Laboratory
Room 0220, Wadsworth Building
2351 Erwin Road
Durham, NC 27705
Phone: (919) 684-2698
Specific instructions on sample handling can be found in the test catalog: Test Catalogue: MDx
We accept shipments Monday-Friday, 8:00am – 5:00pm EST. We do not accept Saturday, Sunday, or Holiday delivery.
MPGG Myeloid Malignancy Testing Algorithms
The MPGG Clinical Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory has developed algorithms for which tests to order for patients with suspected myeloid abnormalities. The algorithms for testing depend on what the initial clinical finding is that is prompting testing, the clinician’s suspicion level that the patient may have a myeloid malignancy, and the sample type. You may review these algorithms here.
Contact Us
We are always available to answer your questions. Please contact us for more information about our services or for help understanding the results of your patient’s molecular diagnostic tests. Our laboratory is open Monday-Friday, 8:00am – 5:00pm EST. You can reach our team at:
Molecular Pathology, Genetics and Genomics
Phone: (919) 684-2698 - Molecular Diagnostics
Fax: (919) 668-9173
Jennifer Sanks, MT(ASCP), MB(ASCP)
Laboratory Manager
(919) 681-5792
Jennifer.Sanks@duke.edu
Liz Heise, MS, CGC
Certified Genetic Counselor
(919) 660-7886
Elizabeth.Heise@duke.edu