Northwell Health opens $3.2M Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory
The Northwell Health Cancer Institute’s Center for Genomic Medicine is finally bringing sophisticated molecular diagnostic testing onsite with the opening of their new, $3.2 million clinical Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory, the first of its kind on Long Island.
The 2,800-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility, located at 450 Lakeville Road in Lake Success, is equipped with eight Genexus Integrated Sequencers to efficiently analyze solid tumor and blood samples for specific genetic mutations, known as biomarkers. According to Northwell, the new laboratory will provide improved accuracy of diagnosis and prognosis for cancer patients as well as lower costs to patients and the health system.
“We are proud to unveil our Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory designed to deliver point-of-care genomic testing to improve the lives of patients with cancer, which is the standard of care in oncology,” Jeff Boyd, vice president and chief scientific officer and director of the Northwell Health Cancer Institute’s Center for Genomic Medicine, said in a written statement. “This clinical achievement further demonstrates our commitment to advancing cancer care and access to precision medicine throughout our health system and the communities we serve.”
The Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory (MDL) is integrated with Northwell Health Laboratories in Lake Success, which leverages the health network’s existing operations and specialized clinical staff. Northwell Health Cancer Institute treats more New York residents for cancer than any other provider in the state, according to the Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System inpatient and ambulatory surgery data.
Richard Barakat, MD, physician-in-chief and executive director of the Northwell Health Cancer Institute, noted that the new laboratory will improve turnaround time for patients.
“Now, we can provide patients with test results in 48 hours or less compared to three weeks with an outside commercial lab,” Dr. Barakat said in the statement. “Our oncology teams offer an extraordinary continuum of care for our patients with cancer and their loved ones – and the most advanced genomic diagnostic testing.”
To learn more about the Northwell Health Cancer Institute’s Center for Genomic Medicine, visit https://cancer.northwell.edu/.
