Prognostics
Some disease conditions are better managed when the risk factors or biological markers (biomarkers) are detected early in their course of development. Biomarkers can be measured in clinical laboratories and used to predict the likelihood of a patient developing a disease or experiencing a medical event in future. Biomarkers are found in the body fluids including blood and urine as well as body tissues and are characteristically associated with the disease condition. These biomarkers allow clinicians to monitor onset and progression and guide decisions on effective intervention with the ultimate aim of achieving timely patient management and personalised treatment.
Timely and targeted treatment produces several beneficial results including financial savings and of course the overall desired health outcome. Cancers and autoimmune conditions represent two of such disease conditions in which prognostic testing leads to significant benefits. In both cancer and autoimmune conditions, the body produces molecules either as a consequence of the progression or part of adjustment to the disease state and by detecting these molecules, we can predict not only the onset of the condition but also the stage in their development.
At Sheffield Laboratory Medicine, we provide prognostic testing services for biomarkers associated with cancers, autoimmune conditions and many more. These test repertoires are performed by our trained scientists using state-of-the-art equipment in our laboratories. Our team of experienced medical and scientific professionals also have expertise to advise on the appropriate test repertoires, provide guidance on testing as well as interpretations of test results which all contribute towards improving health outcomes for patients. There is also the added value of integrated reporting with genomics from our experts which supports more targeted treatments.
If you would like to know more about how we can help you, please contact us by telephone on 0114 226 7666 or email us at sth.labmed@nhs.net.