Specimen Considerations, Clinical Utilization, and Test Reporting
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A Metadata Extraction Approach for Clinical Case Reports to Enable Advanced Understanding of Biomedical Concepts
Published on: September 20, 2018
1Sections of Cytopathology and the Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory, Department of Anatomic Pathology, Division of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
Abstract:
This article highlights best practices in molecular pathology, emphasizing the impact of preanalytical variables on nucleic acid quality and test performance. It covers optimal specimen selection, handling, and preservation strategies for tissue, cytology, and liquid biopsy, and discusses assay selection based on clinical context, specimen adequacy, and intended use. The importance of standardized, guideline-driven molecular reporting and variant classification is emphasized. By integrating these principles, laboratories can maximize diagnostic yield, ensure clinically meaningful results, and support precision medicine.
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