Dermatology Testing
Quality Dermatopathology Services
Results dermatologists can trust
As a part of our evaluation, ancillary tests and molecular diagnostics can be occasionally used to aid in the precision of our diagnoses. Inform Diagnostics believes in responsible test utilization and only orders tests that are medically appropriate for accurate diagnosis.
Dermatology Test Offerings
Definitive diagnoses from Inform Diagnostics
Our offerings for dermatology testing give clinicians the results they need to recommend treatment with confidence, and such results are provided with excellent turnaround time. This provides the patients peace of mind, and allows the clinicians to focus on building a sustainable practice.
| Test Offering | Test Details | Indications |
|---|---|---|
| Skin biopsy and excision examinations (including Staged excisions) | Evaluation of inflammatory and neoplastic skin disorders. Evaluation of margins on excision specimens. | Classification of inflammatory and infectious cutaneous disorders. Skin cancer detection and diagnosis. Confirm margin status to ensure complete removal of tumors. |
| Trichogram (hair pluck) evaluation | Evaluation of a forcible hair pluck specimen using routine and polarizing microscopy. | Hair shaft abnormality evaluation and diagnosis. |
| Alopecia biopsy evaluation | Evaluation of scalp punch biopsies for alopecia, including utilization of Headington technique. | Evaluation and classification of causes of alopecia. |
| Nail plate, scrapings, nail matrix, and/or nail bed biopsy evaluation | Evaluation of nail specimens, with a PAS stain for fungus. | Onychomycosis and other inflammatory and tumoral diseases affecting the nails. |
| Direct immunofluorescence | Fluorophore-conjugated antibodies to IgG, IgA, IgM, C3, and fibrinogen are used to detect immune complex deposition in fresh tissue skin and mucosal biopsies submitted in Michel’s medium. | Performed on perilesional skin/mucosa for patients with bullous diseases and lesional skin/mucosa for patients with connective tissue diseases and vasculitis. |
| In-house melanoma FISH assay | Six-probe FISH assay to evaluate for gains and/or losses in chromosomes 6, 11, and 9 that commonly occur in melanoma. | Detection of differences in chromosomal aberrations between melanoma and nevi, to improve diagnostic accuracy in the classification of ambiguous melanocytic tumors. |
| HPV genotyping (send-out test) | In situ hybridization studies for high and low-risk HPV. | To determine presence of low-risk and/or high-risk HPV in the lesion. |
| DNA mismatch repair (MMR) analysis | MMR protein immunohistochemical stains (MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, and PMS2). | Performed on sebaceous tumors to identify patients that could potentially have HNPCC/Lynch/Muir Torre Syndrome. |
| Wide variety of immunohistochemistry and special stains | Immunohistochemical stains and histochemical special stain are performed on formalin-fixed tissue. | Diagnosis and classification of a subset of non-tumoral and tumors diseases. |
| In-house molecular testing for cutaneous hematologic malignancies | Comprehensive ancillary tests using FISH, PCR, and in situ hybridization techniques. | Diagnosis and classification of lymphomas and leukemias. |
| In-house hematopathology consultations | Complicated hematolymphoid malignancies that need interdepartmental consultation and collaboration between dermatopathology and hematopathology. | Most accurate diagnosis and classification of complex hematolymphoid disorders. |
| Second opinion service | Expert consultation performed on slides from outside laboratories. | Accurate diagnosis and classification of difficult and unusual cases. |
