TP120 Breakfast Workshop – Hot Topics in Pathology: What Every Community Pathologist Should Know About Clinical Requests for Molecular Tests

6:30–7:45 am
CME/CE NOT APPLICABLE

Molecular testing is one of the fastest growing areas in pathology for diagnosis, classification, genetic analysis, and—most recently—targeted therapy. Requests for new tests from clinical colleagues are becoming more and more common.

Given the complexity of today’s menu of molecular tests and the requirement for some diseases to have molecular results on file for treatment, it is imperative that community practices have a systematic method to address this type of testing.

This talk will present guidelines in determining whether a molecular test provides value to patient care and the potential impact of tests that require special authorizations or specimen types. Panelists will offer suggestions on how to operationalize the process from the physician’s initial request for a new molecular test to the delivery of the appropriate specimen to an outside laboratory for testing, as well as discuss the importance of the role of the pathologist as clinical consultant and patient advocate.

Panelists
Samuel K. Caughron, MD, FCAP
Frederick L. Kiechle, MD, PhD, FCAP
Michael S. Brown, MD, FCAP

Hosted by the CAP Personalized Health Care Committee.