Answers from the Lab

Christopher Klein, M.D., discusses how Mayo Clinic's updated, streamlined approach to confirmatory testing for the neuro immunological disorders myasthenia gravis and Lambert-Eaton Syndrome improves diagnostic accuracy. The testing method, a multi-step serology assay that automatically reflexes to second-line MuSK testing in cases where first-line serology is negative, increases sensitivity, specificity and yields 45% fewer false positives than traditional testing. Increasing accuracy of diagnostic confirmatory testing not only saves physicians' and patients' time, but optimizes treatment outcomes by minimizing unnecessary CT imaging and avoidable immunotherapy and thymectomy.

Show Notes

(00:34) I'm joined here today by Dr. Chris Klein. Sir, would you mind introducing yourself to our audience and telling them a little bit about your background?
 
(1:19) I don't want this to be a review of the paper, sir, but could you just give maybe a recap of one or some of the key takeaways?
 
(5:59) It was one of the first tests discovered, but we're not satisfied with the status quo and we continue to look for ways to make it better?
 
(6:41) Can you just help the audience understand why that's necessary and why it's the best thing for patient care?
 
(9:30) I think the role of MuSK is well understood, but it is a slight change in that it's going to automatically reflex. But the point of that is also to reduce turnaround time, right?
 
(11:17) It sounds like it'd be hard to give a definitive diagnosis without the testing that we're offering right now, right?
 
(13:13) What advice would you give for physicians or even laboratorians that might be trying to use our tests most efficiently?
 
(17:00) What would you say Dr. Klein, to conclude, that you're most excited about regarding these changes that may have occurred?

What is Answers from the Lab?

A Mayo Clinic curated podcast sharing Mayo Clinic knowledge and advancements on the state of testing, science, and people who are making it happen behind the scenes.