The DNA Diagnostic Laboratory in the Department of Pathology at Saint Louis University Health Sciences Center offers a wide variety of genetic, microbiological and oncological tests that utilize molecular biology techniques. For clinical microbiology, DNA diagnosis by PCR is a highly specific and sensitive method to identify pathogenic microorganisms that are difficult to culture.
Genetic diagnosis can detect or corroborate a suspected inherited disorder.
The DNA Diagnostic Laboratory maintains an expanding list of tests offered. The staff can assist in sending samples to and interpreting results from other certified laboratories for tests which are not offered by our laboratory. Specific test requirements are listed below. For DNA analysis of demonstrated or possible cancers, the biopsied tumor specimens may be sent fresh to the laboratory on the day obtained, or they may be frozen and transported frozen. Because of the specialized nature of specimen processing, advance notification of samples to be processed is requested.