Human Genetics Laboratory

The Munroe-Meyer Institute Human Genetics Laboratories occupies approximately 9,000 square feet and is a full-service cytogenetics and molecular cytogenetics clinical laboratory as well as a research laboratory. HGL is also actively involved in the teaching of medical students, graduate students, residents, fellows, and faculty. The HGL director is board certified as a Clinical Cytogeneticist and Medical Geneticist. The Associate Directors are board certified in Pathology as well as Clinical Cytogeneticists. The laboratory manager has 30+ years of experience and the supervisor has 25 years of experience. There are 53 other cytogenetic technologists and support staff averaging over 10 years of experience in Human Cytogenetics and Molecular Genetics. All full-time cytogenetic technologists with more than two years of experience have passed the National Certification exam for Cytogenetic Technology and six have passed the National Certification exam for Molecular Genetics. HGL provides over 10,500 diagnostic studies per year and 5,300 research cases per year in the areas of oncology, prenatal, birth defects and other projects. The research aspects of HGL are supported by several grants with the objectives being the investigation of various cytogenetic and molecular cytogenetic aspects of leukemia, lymphoma, and solid tumors. HGL is also an integral part the Nebraska Lymphoma Study Group, a collaborative effort between community physicians and their counterparts at UNMC. HGL also has conducted cytogenetic and molecular cytogenetic analysis on over 9,000 cases of lymphoma and we are currently incorporating some of the newer molecular cytogenetic procedures to identify new breakpoints and important chromosomal insults in the etiology and progression of neoplasms. This new scientific data is being utilized to develop new and curative therapeutic approaches for these diseases. HGL is CLIA and CAP certified and is also a reference laboratory for the national COG and CALGB cancer groups. The Director is also one of six international Cytogeneticists who conducts biannual reviews of approximately 5,000 cases submitted for COG and CALGB protocols.

In addition to approximately 56 professional and support staff, the laboratory is fully staffed with current state-of-the-art equipment, including 39 automated karyotyping and FISH stations with the capabilities for multi-colored FISH as well as CGH and other molecular cytogenetics procedures. Other equipment includes 48 Zeiss and Olympus microscopes, 5 low temperature freezers, 10 liquid nitrogen storage tanks, 3 automated VP2000 slide processors, an Axon Scanner and GenoSensor for CGH and microarray, 2 Thermotrons and other equipment needed for cytogenetics and molecular genetic procedures.