Molecular Testing

At Bendiner & Schlesinger, Inc., we're constantly evaluating and incorporating the newest molecular assays for diagnosing and quantifying infectious disease.

A sample of molecular tests available:

HPV (Human Papilloma Virus)

Chlamydia T., Amplified/N. Gonorrhea, Amplified

HCV (Hepatitis C Virus)

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)/DNA Screening

Bendiner & Schlesinger, Inc. offers HPV DNA screening to detect high-risk HPV, a sexually transmitted virus that causes cervical cancer. This methodology employs DNA/RNA probes and monoclonal antibodies for the rapid detection of high-risk HPV.

In this process, DNA from the specimen is exposed to an RNA “probe” that is specific to the 13 types of high-risk HPV.

HPV, one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases, comes in over 100 varieties. The 13 "high-risk" varieties are responsible for more than 99% of all cervical cancer. But progression from high-risk HPV to dysphasia (abnormal cell changes) to invasive cancer is a very slow process (averaging 10 to 15 years). This makes early identification of pre-cancerous changes an effective deterrent to disease.

Studies have shown that testing for HPV in conjunction with the ThinPrep® liquid Pap test has a higher success rate for HPV detection than ThinPrep testing alone. This combined procedure has been approved by the FDA for women 30 years and older.

Note: Bendiner & Schlesinger, Inc. offers follow-up HPV testing from the same ThinPrep specimen vial.

Testing Guidelines The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the National Cancer Institute, the American Society of Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology, and the American Cancer Society jointly recommend that beginning at age 30, women receive combination HPV DNA - Pap Test screening with follow-up guidelines determined by test results as indicated on the chart below:

  Normal Pap Inconclusive Pap Abnormal Pap
No HPV Repeat screening in 3 years Repeat Pap test in 12 months Colposcopy
HPV Repeat in 6-12 months.* Colposcopy Colposcopy
*If repeat shows abnormal Pap or HPV, colposcopy is recommended.

Chlamydia T., Amplified and N. Gonorrhea Amplified

Bendiner & Schlesinger, Inc. offers amplified DNA testing to detect Chlamydia and Gonorrhea, the most common bacterial sexually transmitted diseases in the U.S.

In women, if left untreated, Chlamydia or Gonorrhea can spread to the uterus and fallopian tubes resulting in Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID).

These serious infections may damage the cell lining of the fallopian tubes, causing infertility, ectopic (tubal) pregnancy and chronic pelvic pain. They may also be passed to a newborn infant during delivery, causing neonatal eye disease or pneumonia.

In our amplified testing process, DNA samples from urine (in men and women) or from brushed gynecological specimens are exposed to an RNA "probe" that is specific to Chlamydia Trachomatis or Neisseria Gonorrhea. This method is more sensitive than traditional techniques and detects these bacteria earlier and at lower concentrations. It therefore offers a greater likelihood of reducing the incidence of disease.

Note: Chlamydia and Gonorrhea follow-up testing, like HPV, can be conducted from the same ThinPrep® liquid pap specimen vial.

Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)

Bendiner & Schlesinger, Inc. is proud to provide state of the art molecular testing via FDA-approved Branch Chain DNA (bDNA) in the management of Hepatitis C (HCV). This technology measures viral RNA with unmatched sensitivity and reproducibility, capturing even very low viral load values.

The absolute precision of these results allows doctors to confidently assess a patient's baseline status, determine the most appropriate treatment regimen, and evaluate the effectiveness of treatment.

We offer:

• HCV antibody testing via FDA-approved third generation technology to determine the presence of HCV antibodies.

• Viral Load testing using FDA-approved ultra-sensitive branch chain DNA (bDNA) technology (VERSANT® HCV RNA 3.0 Assay) from Bayer Diagnostics, to quantify HCV viral loads for baseline assessment and therapeutic monitoring. (See Molecular Testing

In addition, we offer a comprehensive array of tests for Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B.

Hepatitis Test List:
Hepatitis A IGM
Hepatitis A-Antibody, Total
Hepatitis B, Core Antibody
Hepatitis B, Core IGM
Hepatitis Be Antigen
Hepatitis Be Antibody
Hepatitis B, Surface Antibody
Hepatitis B, Surface Antigen
Hepatitis C, Antibody
Hepatitis C Branch Chain DNA