Steven C. Meschter, MD

Led by Dr. Steven Meschter, the Geisinger Medical Laboratories Cytopathologists provide:

• State-of-the-art thin layer cervical screening preparation
  Computer-assisted review and reflexive HPV-DNA testing on ASCUS cases
• Expert review
  Fine needle aspirates, body cavity fluids, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid
• Advanced ancillary techniques
  Including flow cytometry, immunocytochemistry, and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) which aid in establishing specific diagnoses
• Prompt, personal consultations
  Direct contact with submitting physicians.  We also provide cytohistologic correlations and maintain an extensive quality assurance program.

The cytopathology laboratories of the Geisinger Medical Laboratories process more than 84,000 cytology cases per year, of which approximately 6,150 are non-gynecologic cases.  The laboratory excels in the technique of fine needle aspiration biopsy and in radiographic or sonographic guided biopsies, with on-site evaluation of material obtained by trained cytopathologists.  GML performs approximately 1,500 FNAs each year.

Gynecologic testing has gone high-tech in GML Cytopathology. The laboratory is fully automated and incorporates computer-assisted primary screening using the FocalPoint computer. This significantly improves the ability to detect premalignant epithelial lesions.

The laboratory routinely processes SurePath and ThinPrep liquid based cervical specimens. These thin layer technologies help to reduce the false negative rate of cervical cytologic screening. The laboratory offers expertise in the interpretation of specimens from multiple collection systems in order to provide flexibility and choice for our many outreach clients. Ancillary testing for high-risk HPV-DNA is offered on both liquid-based platforms.

Geisinger also offers a cytopathology fellowship program, emphasizing the skills and technology available at GML.

FAQs:

How are specimens transported to your laboratory?

Our couriers retrieve and transport specimens from regional physicians' offices, and we provide prepaid Federal Express services for physicians with offices beyond our courier service area.

How can I get my patients' results?

Reports can be delivered delivered via fax, mail, courier, or via the Internet with GMLlink , our secure web-based application that allows physicians 24/7 access to laboratory reports.

Do you offer a consultation service for second opinion?

Yes. Our specialists offer consultative services that provide guidance for additional diagnostic workup, prognostic information, pathogenetic insight, and therapeutic direction. Please forward the slides and previous cytopathology reports along with the request.

Do you offer client billing?

GML offers several billing options:

1. Contracted Client Billing: GML clients will receive monthly itemized invoices for services provided.
2. Patient Billing: GML can bill the patient directly if complete billing information is provided on the test requisition form at the time the specimen is submitted. If you have arranged for GML to bill directly, please advise the patient to expect a bill from Geisinger Medical Laboratories
3. Third Party Billing: GML will bill the patient's insurance company directly.

For details about billing options, please see How to...Pay Your Bill.

Haiyan Liu, MD

Honbing Deng, MD, PhD