Genetic Testing
Our office is happy to offer genetic testing from Asuragen for thyroid nodules. Below are FAQ’s regarding the test, and more information (including insurance information) can be found on our office website.
Patient Overview
As part of your treatment, your physician has ordered the miRInform® Thyroid Test from Asuragen. The miRInform® Thyroid Test aids in the diagnosis of thyroid nodules that are found to be atypical or inconclusive, or indeterminate. Most thyroid nodules are benign, but when biopsy results are inconclusive, the miRInform® Thyroid Test can provide additional diagnostic information to your physician.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Thyroid Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) biopsy?
A thyroid-fine-needle aspiration (FNA) is a procedure that uses a very thin needle to remove cells from your thyroid nodule in order to determine if it is benign (not worrisome) or malignant (cancerous).
What happens next?
Your thyroid FNA biopsy will be sent to a cytopathologist, a physician that specializes in diagnosing disease by viewing cells under a microscope. In most cases, the cytopathologist is able to tell if the module is benign or malignant. If the cytopathologist is able to determine if your nodule is benign or malignant, then a report will be sent back to your physician. Your physician will then call you to discuss a treatment plan.
What happens if the cytopathologist can’t tell if the nodule is either benign or malignant?
Sometimes the cytopathologist is unable to make a diagnosis because the cells are unusual and an indeterminate, inconclusive or “atypical” diagnosis is reported. In the past, if this were to happen, patients did not have many options and most patients had to have a diagnostic surgery known as a hemi-thyroidectomy or a lobectomy. Today, your physician has the ability to use a new molecular test from Asuragen, the miRInform® Thyroid Test. This Test is used to detect DNA and RNA abnormalities within your thyroid nodule. These abnormalities are called mutations.
I have a question about my test results. What do I do?
Asuragen is forbidden by law from providing any test or result information to patients. Please contact your doctor with any questions that you may have regarding your test results.
Can I learn more about Asuragen and thyroid cancer?
Because Asuragen is a company focused on improving patient care, our website offers resources that can help you understand thyroid disease and the miRInform® Thyroid Test. Please visit us at www.asuragen.com. You can also call our Client Services Line at 877.772.8018.
