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A Metadata Extraction Approach for Clinical Case Reports to Enable Advanced Understanding of Biomedical Concepts
Published on: September 20, 2018
Specimen Considerations, Clinical Utilization, and Test Reporting.
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.
Surgical Pathology Clinics
|May 6, 2026
Summary
This article details best practices in molecular pathology, focusing on preanalytical variables affecting nucleic acid quality and test performance for better diagnostic yield. Implementing these guidelines ensures accurate, clinically meaningful results supporting precision medicine.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Pathology
- Genomics
- Laboratory Medicine
Background:
- Preanalytical variables significantly impact nucleic acid quality and molecular test performance.
- Optimal specimen handling and preservation are crucial for reliable diagnostic outcomes.
- Standardized reporting and variant classification are essential in molecular pathology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight best practices in molecular pathology.
- To emphasize the impact of preanalytical variables on molecular testing.
- To guide laboratories in maximizing diagnostic yield and supporting precision medicine.
Main Methods:
- Review of optimal specimen selection, handling, and preservation for tissue, cytology, and liquid biopsy.
- Discussion of assay selection criteria based on clinical context and specimen adequacy.
- Emphasis on standardized, guideline-driven molecular reporting and variant classification.
Main Results:
- Best practices in preanalytical handling improve nucleic acid quality.
- Appropriate assay selection enhances diagnostic yield.
- Standardized reporting ensures clinically meaningful and reproducible results.
Conclusions:
- Adherence to best practices in molecular pathology, from preanalytical steps to reporting, is critical.
- Implementing standardized protocols maximizes laboratory diagnostic yield.
- These integrated principles are fundamental for advancing precision medicine.
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