BloodCenter of Wisconsin launches hematology genetics test panels

Multi-disciplinary, patient-specific report provides unique, personalized medicine approach

Milwaukee, Wis. – June 26, 2017 – BloodCenter of Wisconsin’s Diagnostic Laboratories, part of Versiti, today announced the launch of seven hematology genetics test panels. The new test panels enhance and expand BloodCenter’s genetic testing capability to include a vast array of non-malignant hematology disorders, including platelet function disorders, inherited thrombocytopenia and congenital neutropenias, providing one of the most comprehensive test menus in hematology.

BloodCenter’s integration of functional and genetic testing provides a unique approach to diagnosing complex hematology disorders, providing a comprehensive review of each patient for improved patient care and outcomes.

“Functional lab testing gives us a screen – insight into how blood is behaving. But it doesn’t give us the answers to why it’s behaving the way it is,” says Patrick Foy, M.D., clinical hematologist, Froedtert and the Medical College of Wisconsin. “Genetic testing allows us to go a step further so we can identify diseases as an individual process in a way that is more advanced than functional testing. It allows us to begin an era of personalized medicine when we see that lab results are different among family members, even if the functional assays are the same.”

Test utilization management
BloodCenter’s hematology genetics service is supported by a multi-disciplinary team, which emphasizes test utilization management, an increasingly critical area of focus as genetic testing technology becomes more commonplace. BloodCenter supports its partners by understanding the patient’s health history, family history and laboratory phenotype. With that knowledge, BloodCenter is able to provide physicians with the best genetic testing strategy – ordering the right test to guide the most appropriate care.

“The proper ordering and interpretation of advanced next generation sequencing panels, like the ones developed by BloodCenter, requires a client-focused utilization management (UM) effort,” said Mike Astion, M.D., Ph.D., medical director, Seattle Children’s Hospital and senior vice president, Pediatric Laboratory Utilization Guidance Service (PLUGS) – a leader in test utilization. “BloodCenter is a leader in combining the most advanced specialty testing with superb UM Support.”

BloodCenter’s multi-disciplinary team is made up of a variety of professionals and scientists who have expertise in different aspects of hematology. It includes molecular pathologists, scientists, practicing clinicians, genetic counselors and laboratorians. This unique approach results is a collaborative, comprehensive interpretation centered on a single patient – supporting a more specific, detailed diagnosis. This overall approach helps to advance personalized medicine overall – more rapidly improving the quality of life and outcome for patients.

BloodCenter’s Diagnostic Laboratories help physicians provide clinical care to patients worldwide, fostering better understanding and treatment options for patients with difficult-to-diagnose diseases. In addition, the laboratories collaborate with other institutions and industry partners to bring new diagnostic testing and treatment options to patient care.

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