NEW YORK (GenomeWeb) – Interpace Diagnostics Group announced today that it has executed a new agreement with Laboratory Corporation of America that will expand the network of cytology providers in support of its thyroid molecular business unit.
Under the new agreement, physicians will be able to order both thyroid biopsy analysis and molecular testing from Interpace, and LabCorp's Dianon Pathology, will be available to do biopsy analysis. In the event of an indeterminate result, Interpace will perform its molecular test.
In addition, physicians who order thyroid biopsy analysis services from Dianon can request an automatic reflex to Interpace's tests in the event of indeterminate biopsy results. Interpace will test indeterminate results using its ThyGenX and ThyraMIR proprietary assays, which can provide physicians and patients with more specific diagnostic information about the presence of thyroid cancer in patients whose initial biopsy does not conclusively indicate whether a thyroid nodule is benign or malignant.
ThyGenX uses next-generation sequencing to identify more than 100 genetic alterations associated with papillary and follicular thyroid carcinomas. ThyraMIR, the first microRNA gene expression classifier, measures the expression of 10 microRNAs.
Interpace's network of integrated cytopathology service providers offer clients a sole-source option for managing their thyroid biopsies. Dianon is the first national provider of cytopathology services to join that network.
The expanded relationship builds upon an agreement first formed between the two companies in 2016, which established electronic ordering and results reporting through LabCorp for the ThyGenX and ThyraMIR tests. The direct electronic interface between the two companies expedites and simplifies the test ordering process and allows for a test report that provides a comprehensive patient profile using information from both LabCorp and Interpace.
LabCorp remains the only national laboratory to offer the Interpace molecular tests, which are now part of the LabCorp test menu. The exclusive agreement between the two companies was extended last year until January 2019.
"We are pleased to incorporate LabCorp and Dianon into our thyroid cytopathology network, and we believe that both their customers and physicians will find value in working with both organizations," Jack Stover, Interpace Diagnostics president and CEO, said in a statement.