Anatomic Pathology in Minnesota

Cytopathology

The Cytopathology Laboratory is best known for its highest volume test, the Pap smear. The Pap test is thought to be the most successful cancer-screening tool ever developed, reducing deaths from cervical cancer by about 70 percent, thus saving tens of thousands of lives. The Cytopathology Laboratory also does testing on specimens from virtually any body site.

The Cytopathology Laboratory provides high quality diagnoses using the most effective proven methodology. Each year over 100,000 specimens are processed by our trained clinical lab technologists and lab assistants and microscopically analyzed by our highly skilled cytotechnologists and pathologists. The laboratory provides the latest in proven technology including ThinPrep® GYN cytology, and endoscopic (EUS) ultrasound guided fine needle aspirations (FNAs). Our staff is actively involved in the education of cytotechnology students through the Mayo School of Health Sciences. Working as a team, the laboratory promotes excellence in patient care, research, education and continuous improvement.

A. C. Clayton, M.D., Medical Director, Cytopathology Laboratory
A. M. Sorenson CT(ASCP) Supervisor, Cytopathology Laboratory

Molecular Cytology and Imaging Laboratory

The Molecular Cytology and Imaging Laboratory provides digital image analysis (DIA), a quantitative analysis of histologic and cytologic features of cells, as well as cytologic applications of Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH). DIA methodology literally represents a microscope attached to a computer! This technology allows for the quantitation of microscopic images of a cell by digital conversion and computer analysis of the image features. The technology can be utilized to enhance the sensitivity of diagnosing abnormalities in cytologic specimens, and to provide prognostic information in histologic sections of malignancies.

FISH technology uses fluorescently labeled probes that can detect chromosomal abnormalities and enhance diagnostic sensitivity for detection of malignancy in cytologic specimens.

A. C. Clayton, M.D., Medical Director, Molecular Cytology and Imaging Laboratory
R. M. Root CT (ASCP) Supervisor, Cytopathology Laboratory