Answers from the Lab

(00:33)
 Could you please tell the audience a little bit about yourself and your background before we get to?

(01:07)
 So just as an overview, this new MAG test, can you kind of give us a general idea of the assay, the methodology, and how this could be used clinically?

(01:59)
 Can you maybe expound upon the role of the M protein, how it relates to the MAG antibody and also that unique testing methodology that we use?

(03:15)
 Can you describe how those will present to our listeners and then when it would be appropriate to order this specific test?

(03:56)
 And is the antibody test important or is it pretty clear this DADs phenotype is separate from maybe other types of neuropathies?

(05:25)

I think the other thing that's exciting is just about how the antibody test can help increase confidence for physicians, right?

(05:50)

Can you talk to me about how our test is maybe different than how other existing MAG antibody tests that already exist on the market?

(07:20)

I've also heard you talk about the reference ranges, where, depending on where the cutoffs are, it can increase, I think specificity, is that right, Dr. Mills?

(08:30)

I've also heard to test for SGPG that oftentimes accompanies MAG, but I noticed that we won't be using that complimentary tests. Can you help our listeners understand why?

(09:42)

Can you just elaborate again on how this test can impact patient care and maybe shorten that journey?

(10:56)

So a test result that's positive for MAG, the physician can have a lot of confidence that that's really the underlying etiology?

(11:33)

Are we seeing it more often that patients are going to test positive for the MAG antibody, and that should lead them to getting this M protein tested for using our MASS fixation technology?

(13:14)

Now, if a patient is found to be positive for the M protein as well, uh, how does that change the treatment or prognosis for those DADs phenotype patients?

(14:09)

Dr. Mills, if you could summarize for our physicians this to key takeaway for physicians or patient impact related to this test, what would it be?

William Morice II, M.D., Ph.D., chair of the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology at Mayo Clinic and president of Mayo Clinic Laboratories, joins the "Answers From the Lab" podcast for his weekly leadership update. In this episode, Dr. Morice and

Bobbi Pritt, M.D., discuss the rise in cases of COVID-19 caused by the coronavirus delta variant in the U.S., especially in areas with low vaccination rates.

(00:32):

Before we get started, Dr. Hopson, could you please share a little about you and your background with our listeners?

(01:16):

Thanks again, Dr. Hopson for joining us today. Could you describe for us what the disaccharidase test is?

(02:32):

Thank you for that great description. For this testing. What specimen is required?

(02:58):

Can You provide a brief overview and intended use of this testing?

(04:16):

Could you specifically state how this test helps you and your patients?

(06:10):

What clinical action is enabled by the results of this test?

(06:45):

As we conclude our interview, how does this test improve upon previous testing approaches?