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Q. Who is RedPath Integrated
Pathology?
RedPath is a CLIA certified and CAP
accredited commercial laboratory and one
of the first to integrate molecular DNA
analysis with routine pathology review.
We provide early and definitive cancer diagnostic
support for pathologists and clinicians
when there is a diagnostic dilemma or standard
testing is inconclusive.
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Q. What is PathFinderTG®?
PathFinderTG is a molecular
DNA-based cancer diagnostic test which obtains
a genetic fingerprint of mutations from
routine histology and cytology slides as
well as fluid samples.
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Q. What is the benefit
of using the PathFinderTG test?
PathFinderTG resolves indeterminate
and equivocal diagnoses. It also provides
valuable clinical information leading to
a more comprehensive and better diagnosis
and characterization of dysplasia and cancer. PathFinderTG provides information
that can assist clinicians, oncologists
and surgeons in the clinical management
of their patients, leading to optimal treatment
and, hopefully, improved outcomes for patients.
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Q. How accurate are
the results of PathFinderTG?
PathFinderTG was developed
over 17 years, and clinically validated
with up to 100% accuracy in diagnosing and characterizing cancer specimens. Results have
been reported in more than 140 peer reviewed
publications and more than 15,000 specimens
have been analyzed using PathFinderTG.
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Q. What are the indications
for use?
There are five (5) key indications for
using PathFinderTG:
- Reactive versus neoplastic lesions
- Grade of dysplasia
- Benign versus malignant lesions
- Metastatic, synchronous and recurrent tumors
- Biologically indolent versus aggressive tumors
Specific indications for cancers of the
GI tract, pancreas, head and neck, brain,
breast, genito-urinary, and gynecologic
tracts are available.
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Q. How do you actually
perform the test?
We use a proprietary process that begins
with the microdissection of cells from
targeted areas of interest from chemically
fixed histology and cytology slides. RedPath is also able to test acellular
fluids. The process incorporates DNA amplification,
as well as molecular profiling against a broad
panel of mutations (15 to 20 different markers)
that include tumor suppressor genes and
oncogenes known to be part of the mutational
profile for each tumor type. Combined with
the morphologic review, PathFinderTG provides a comprehensive analysis and report.
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Q. How much tissue or
material is required for solid tumors or
fluid analysis?
For formalin fixed, paraffin
embedded tissues, we require one stained
H&E along with 4 to 6 recut slides (4-5 micron
sections), deparaffinized for each area
of interest. For cytology samples, including
FNAs, one or two stained cytology slides
are appropriate. We can even perform the
test using the leftover cytobrush, following
the cytosmear preparation. Archived slides
or blocks may also be analyzed. As little
as 50 microliters of fluids including effusions,
ascites and cyst aspirates can be analyzed.
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Q. How are the results
reported?
The PathFinderTG report is
a comprehensive description that incorporates
the morphologic review with the molecular
analysis in a form that is easily understood.
A written summary of the number and type
of mutations found, if any, is provided
and the temporal sequence of mutation acquisition
is described. A diagnosis with detailed
commentary, including a summary of the molecular
profile of the patient’s specimen,
is provided in the context of available
clinical history and pathology information.
The report is delivered via fax.
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Q. What is the turn-around-time?
A final report is provided within 5
to 7 working days from the date of receipt
of a properly submitted specimen with completed
and signed test requisition.
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Q. Is the PathFinderTG test currently covered by health insurance?
RedPath bills Medicare and Third Party
insurers directly. Where required by law,
RedPath bills hospitals and patients for co-insurance
or deductible amounts. Insurance may cover
all or part of the bill. Our reimbursement
staff will work diligently to obtain payment
from your patient’s insurance company
and will do everything possible to reduce
any payment burden to the patient. In the
event of non- payment by third party payers,
physicians and institutions will not be
billed.
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Q. How do I order PathFinderTG?
Simply call our toll free number at
1-800-495-9885 and ask for the Provider Services department. We will provide you
with a test requisition form and shipping
materials. You may also print the PathFinderTG Requisition form and shipping instructions
from this website. Complete the requisition
and ship the histology, cytology slides
and/or fluids to:
RedPath Integrated Pathology
2515 Liberty Avenue
Pittsburgh, Pa. 15222
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