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Laboratory

Our on-site laboratory includes an experienced staff and state-of-the-art analytical equipment, and provides fast, accurate results.

Overview

A fully-staffed facility equipped with state-of-the-art analytic equipment to provide fast, accurate results.

The lab has been directed by retiring physician, Cynthia D. Westermann, M.D., who has more than 30 years of experience and is certified by the American Board of Pathology and the National Board of Medical Examiners. Alero Fregene Inyang, M.D., joined The Urology Group in July 2024 to begin leading laboratory operations moving forward.

Dr. Cynthia D. Westermann Dr. Alero Fregen Inyang

Lab Tests

Important laboratory initiatives:

  • Molecular microbiology: The Urology Group is a pioneer in the Greater Cincinnati region for using molecular microbiology to study urine cultures. Geared toward patients with chronic, recurring urine infections, and for whom previous antibiotics have not been affected, The Urology Group’s laboratory team looks at the genetic make-up of a patient’s urine sample. Studying the sample’s DNA, pathologists can help the physician determine the best treatment protocol for each specific patient.
  • Genomic testing: Genomic testing, or personalized medicine, allows The Urology Group to identify if a patient who has been diagnosed with cancer is at low risk or high risk for developing a more aggressive form of cancer, based on the patient’s genetic make-up. Low risk patients typically undergo “active surveillance,” whereby they get tested regularly but receive no treatment for their cancer diagnosis. However, if genomic testing places the patient in the high-risk category, a physician may choose to treat the cancer or take a more aggressive form of surveillance. While genomic testing has helped breast cancer patients for nearly two decades, it’s now an important tool for monitoring prostate cancer patients as well.
  • Genetic testing: The BRCA gene test is a blood test that uses a patient’s DNA to identify how susceptible their genes are to develop to breast cancer. Long used among women, the BRCA test can also signal prostate cancer. If a man tests positive for the BRCA gene, his lifetime risk for prostate cancer is 15-25%, and he’s at risk for developing a more aggressive/life-threatening cancer at a younger age. The Urology Group uses this test to determine whether or not genetic mutations might be passed on to family members.

Pathology Lab Services

Services and treatments offered:

Urine cytology: A microscopic exam of urine to look for cancerous cells.

A urine cytology determines abnormal cells in the urine and is often prescribed when blood is in the urine or to test for bladder cancer. It involves the microscopic exam of urine by a pathologist.

FISH (fluorescence in situ hybridization): A test that detects genetic changes in urine cells early on.
This sophisticated test detects genetic changes to the urine cells before a bladder tumor forms. It is typically ordered for patients with a history of bladder cancer or patients with hematuria (blood in the urine) who may have or could develop bladder cancer. In conjunction with a cystoscopy, the FISH procedure helps to better monitor recurrent bladder cancer.

During a FISH test, the physician attaches dyes to specific parts of bladder chromosomes so they can be viewed for cancer-promoting abnormalities under a fluorescent microscope. By identifying as few as four bladder cells with abnormal chromosomes, a physician can determine if bladder cancer is present or is likely to form in the near term.

Tissue analysis/biopsies: Diagnostic tissue testing and analysis for cancer cells.
A biopsy is an examination of a tissue sample taken from the body to detect cancer cells or other disease. Biopsies are outpatient procedures that typically require some local or general anesthesia.

There are several kinds of biopsies, but most are performed with a needle. In some cases, if the tissue is difficult to access, laparoscopic surgery may be necessary, in which a fiberoptic instrument is inserted through the abdominal wall.

Clinical Lab Services

Services and treatments offered:

PSA test: A test to measure levels of prostate-specific antigens.
The PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test, often combined with a digital rectal exam, is a common and reliable method to check for prostate cancer before symptoms appear. A recent study concluded that PSAs reduce prostate cancer deaths by about 30%.

An estimated 30,000 men die of prostate cancer annually, according to the American Cancer Society’s 2019 estimates. That translates to one man every 18 minutes. The good news is the number has steadily dropped over the past 20 years, thanks to early diagnosis and advanced cancer treatments. Now, 90% of men with prostate cancer are curable at the time of diagnosis.

The procedure:

The PSA measures levels of prostate-specific antigens, a protein made by prostate cells, in the blood. In a digital rectal exam, the physician inserts a finger into the rectum in order to feel the prostate for irregularities.

What to expect:

If either the PSA or the digital rectal exam detects abnormalities, the physician may order a prostate ultrasound (imaging test) and biopsy (examination of prostate tissue captured with a needle).

Urine culture: Examining a urine sample to detect infection-causing organisms.
This test identifies blood or organisms that may be causing a urinary tract infection. A routine urine culture test is typically performed in the physician’s office, clinic or lab. The urine sample is tested with a treated chemical stick and examined under a microscope for the presence of bacteria or blood. Color, odor, pH levels, protein, glucose, blood and nitrate levels also are tested.
Testosterone analysis: Checks male hormone (androgen) levels in the blood.
This blood test is advised in suspected cases of low testosterone. Patients with low testosterone may experience low libido, fatigue or erectile dysfunction.

Blood test for kidney function (BUN/creatinine ratio)

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