Our Clinical Trials Department will provide the following:

RAPID DIAGNOSIS
Speed is especially important when hard to culture organisms are involved. With molecular based testing, results are available in as little as 24 hours as compared to 2-8 weeks for conventional testing methods. This will allow physicians to quickly identify an infection and treat it before it causes a life threatening disease.

EXTREME SENSITIVITY
Advanced molecular based testing encompasses a variety of DNA probe technologies. One such is the DNA amplification process known as PCR. This process greatly increases the number of copies of the target DNA, thus allowing for quantities as small as a single viral particle to be detected. Because of this, sensitivity is dramatically increased to levels unachievable with conventional detection methods.

DIRECT DETECTION
Conventional tests for viral infections, such as HIV, detect antibodies made against the virus, whereas genetic testing detects the actual virus. Thus, reliable positive or negative results can be given for the actual infection, independent of the antibody response.

STATUS MONITORING
Physicians can now monitor the efficacy of therapy and treatments initiated for patients
(e.g., HIV-1 RNA Quantitation and HCV RNA Quantitation).

PREDICTIVE SCREENING
Using today's gene level diagnostic techniques, individuals with a strong family history of disease can actually be tested to determine if they carry the gene that predisposes them to developing the disease in question.

STAFF EXPERTISE
The laboratory is directed by a board certified pathologist, John B. Thomison Jr., M.D., F.C.A.P. Laboratory activities are coordinated by Paul A. Dahlhauser, M.S., S.A. (Director of Laboratory Services) who is a board certified Special Analyst in Molecular Biology. The staff receives support and consultation from our highly qualified and diverse Board of Directors.

LICENSURE / REGISTRATION
The laboratory is licensed by the State of Tennessee, Office of Laboratory Licensing and Certification and has a Laboratory Registration Certificate from the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA). Applicable license and registration numbers are as follows:
State of TN, Lab License #: 0000003268
CLIA #: 44D0889747
Federal Tax I.D.#: 62-1567916
Medicare Provider #: 3402805

QUALITY PROGRAMS
The laboratory participates in extensive internal and external proficiency testing, including that of the College of American Pathologists (CAP).

CLIENT SERVICES / SUPPORT
GA's Client Services is committed to providing each client with the finest personalized service available to ensure all questions and concerns are met. Team members of our Client Services are readily available to discuss any of our services, tests, and results with our clients. Please call GA's Client Services at 615-781-0709 or 1-800-390-5280 Toll Free to request assistance, or visit our website at www.geneticassays.com.