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How can a patient's specimen be referred to ClearPath Diagnostics?
A relationship needs to be established between the patient's physician and ClearPath Diagnostics. The patient can ask their physician to send their specimen to ClearPath Diagnostics. The physician, if not already using ClearPath Diagnostics, may contact the main office at (315) 234-3300 to assure courier service or proper transportation.
What type of specimens does ClearPath Diagnostics accept?
Cytology: ThinPrep® Pap smears, non-gynecological specimens to include urines, body fluids and fine needle aspirations.
Pathology: Tissue samples from all sites.
Special studies: Digene Hybrid Capture 2® Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) testing, Gen-Probe® assay for GC/Chlamydia, AffirmTM analysis for Candida, Gardnerella, and Trichomonas, immunohistochemistry, special stains and in situ hybridization.
ClearPath Diagnostics also accepts consultation cases for cytology and tissue pathology.
What information should accompany a specimen that is submitted to ClearPath Diagnostics?
A completed ClearPath Diagnostics requisition form.
How do I collect a specimen for cytology submission?
Our Cytology Primary Specimen Collection Manual is here.
How does a specimen get to ClearPath Diagnostics?
We provide collection materials and professional, courteous next day or rush courier service for all specimens. Rush service is available from 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Please contact (315) 234-3300 for more information.
How do I order ClearPath Diagnostics supplies?
The supply order form is available here. Completed forms should be faxed to us at (315) 234-3305.
Does ClearPath Diagnostics offer frozen section analysis?
Yes. Contact us at (315) 234-3300 and our courier service will pick up the specimen at the time needed.
Does ClearPath Diagnostics offer special stains?
Yes. We offer Acid Fast, Alcian Blue, Amyloid, Bacteria, Elastic, Giemsa, GMS, Iron, Mucicarmine, Oil Red O, PAS, PAS-D, PAS-Fungus, Reticulum, Steiner, Toluidine Blue, and Trichrome.
Does ClearPath Diagnostics do in situ hybridization studies?
Yes. In situ hybridization is done on tissues to detect human papilloma virus and to determine the presence or absence of Her-2/neu gene amplification in breast cancer. In situ hybridization for detection of low and high risk human papilloma virus (HPV) is performed on formalin fixed, paraffin embedded tissue. The technique allows for specific nuclear localization of HPV DNA by light microscopy. In situ hybridization also is done for detection of Her-2/neu gene amplification. This technique utilizes fluorescence microscopy to determine the number of Her-2/neu genes in nuclei compared to the absolute chromosome 17 copy number. A ratio of greater than 2.0 indicates Her-2/neu amplification. ClearPath offers the following in situ hybridization studies: Human papilloma virus (HPV), Low RiskHuman papilloma virus (HPV), High RiskHer-2/neu (FISH).
Does ClearPath Diagnostics offer testing for GC and Chlamydia (Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis)?
Yes. We offer GC/Chlamydia testing using the highly sensitive Gen-Probe APTIMA Combo 2® Assay. This test can be done using the ThinPrep liquid Pap specimen that is also sent for Pap cytologic analysis. This method allows us to provide up to 4 results (Pap, HPV, and GC/Chlamydia) from a single specimen, minimizing specimen handling for collection and transportation. To do this test on the ThinPrep specimen, it must be ordered along with the Pap.
How do I submit specimens for Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis testing?
Specimen collection and transport information for Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis testing can be found here. In addition to ThinPrep Liquid Pap specimens, the assay can also be performed on urine specimens (female and male) and endocervical and male urethral swab specimens. We provide the collection and transport material.
Does ClearPath Diagnostics offer testing for Candida species, Gardnerella vaginalis and Trichomonas vaginalis?
Yes. We offer triple testing using Becton Dickinson AffirmTM, VPIII for these agents. This analysis requires a separate vaginal swab. We provide the special swabs and transport system for this test.
Does ClearPath Diagnostics offer immunohistochemistry? If so, what immunostains are available?
Yes. Click here for immunostains listing. This specialized study of tissue and cells is offered to establish diagnoses with full histology technical support. It can be provided with interpretation as a consultation case or without as technical only services.
Does ClearPath Diagnostics accept fine needle aspirations?
Yes. Our courier and next day completion, for the majority of specimens, does apply.
How is a case sent to ClearPath Diagnostics for a consultation?
A cover letter with all other pertinent information to the case can be sent to our main address of 600 E. Genesee Street, Suite 305, Syracuse, NY 13202. Any questions, you may contact us at (315) 234-3300.
What specimens can be tested for human papilloma virus (HPV)?
ThinPrep Pap specimens and specimens collected with the hc2 DNA Collection Device are approved for testing with Digene Hybrid Capture 2 DNA Assay. ThinPrep Pap specimens must be less than three weeks old. There must also be sufficient quantity remaining after processing the pap smear to perform the HPV testing. Also, tissue specimens (paraffin embedded) can be tested for high and low risk HPV using the in situ hybridization. Tissue specimens are stable indefinitely.
How can the HPV DNA Assay be ordered through ClearPath Diagnostics?
HPV testing can be done reflexively on all ThinPrep Pap smears. Both high and low risk typing are available. A request for HPV testing can be sent with the cytology request for a Pap smear on a ThinPrep specimen. For tissue specimens, check the "HPV Tissue Exam" section of the specimen requisition.
How soon are results available from ClearPath Diagnostics?
Under normal circumstances, the average turnaround time for:
- Pap smear results are available within 2-3 business days of receipt of specimen
- HPV results are available within 5 business days of receipt of specimen
- Non-GYN results are available within 1 business day of receipt of specimen
- Surgical pathology results are available within 1 business day of receipt of specimen
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