Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory

"Improving Healthcare through Innovative Diagnostics"

Our CLIA-Licensed, CAP-Certified Laboratory Performs Diagnostic Testing for Genetic Disease and Pathogens as a collaboration between the Medical School and UMass Memorial Medical Center.  The Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory focuses on molecular diagnostic tests related to genetic and infectious diseases.

Specialized DNA tests performed in our lab give clinicians a tool with which to examine DNA variations in the human genetic code that contribute to a wide range of medical disorders. Furthermore, two FDA-approved quantification assays (Hepatitis C and HIV), which monitor response to antibiotics therapy, are available.

This new resource utilizes highly specialized is utilizing its state-of-the-art MassARRAY Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) system to provide improvements in quality and expansion of genetic testing services. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) provides the necessary highly accurate and sensitive analytical technique for high-throughput genetic screening. 

Our Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory's MassARRAY MALDI-TOF MS genetic analysis system's flexible integrated array of assay chemistries and setup, sample tracking, and database management and reporting, provides the technical capability for testing thousands of specimens daily for hundreds of mutations.  Our robotics systems for DNA/RNA extraction, assay setup and MS analyses are integrated with sample tracking, bioinformatics and Meditech interfaces.     

The laboratory continues to expand the portfolio of genetic assays available to further enhance our capabilities in understanding, diagnosing and treating both common and orphan genetic disorders in an effort to serve

New England  patients.

The Molecular Diagnostics Lab is operated with Edward Ginns, MD, PhD as the Medical Director, Marzena Galdzicka, PhD as Scientific Director and Patricia Miron, PhD as the Clinical Director. A staff of certified medical technologists and technical associates perform the laboratory testing 5 days a week, Monday through Friday.

Laboratory Contact Information

Medical Director:    Edward Ginns, M.D, PhD                    (508-856-8134; beep 5990)

Scientific Director:  Marzena Galdzicka, PhD                    (508-856-4384; beep 5931)