Our combination of liquid-based ThinPrep technology and molecular testing allows us to examine a Pap smear and perform infectious disease testing for HPV, N. gonorrhea, Chlamydia and Trichomonas, all on the same sample.

Our molecular testing on cervical cytology samples allows us to detect high-risk HPV (HR-HPV) RNA using Hologic's Panther system.  RNA testing is more specific for detecting persistent HPV infections than the older generation of DNA-based tests, because HR-HPV RNA is only produced once the virus has integrated into the host genome.  As such, this methodology will avoid the over-detection of HPV DNA in women who are transient carriers of the virus.  This new generation of molecular testing to detect mRNA is designed to identify women with an active HR-HPV infection and should reduce the number of false positive HPV molecular tests that may result from overly sensitive DNA-based amplification assays.

Genotyping to detect mRNA of HR-HPV types 16, 18 and 45 can also be performed on cases that test positive for HR-HPV mRNA.  ACOG has suggested that genotyping for HPV 16/18 in women with normal Pap smears may help in triaging patients for colposcopic examination.

We have extensive experience in the interpretation of fine needle aspirate material from breast, thyroid, lung, pancreas, and lymph node specimens.

We also perform fine needle aspirates of palpable masses in our office location. This is a fast and inexpensive way to evaluate a new mass that is detected by physical exam.

Contact us to schedule a fine needle aspiration for your patient. 

We process and interpret pleural fluid, ascites, joint effusions, and cerebrospinal fluid. In specimens that contain adequate cellularity we are able to perform special studies to identify microorganisms and the site of origin of malignant cells.