Cherisse Marcou, Ph.D., and Kristen Rasmussen, M.S., CGC, explain how Mayo Clinic Laboratories' WESPR whole exome sequencing reflex test provides cost-effective diagnosis of complex genetic conditions. Using samples and data from previous targeted gene panels, WESPR's wider net can identify undetected genetic variants.

(00:32)
Would each of you share a little bit about yourselves and your background?

(01:42)

Could you provide us with an overview of the whole exome reflexing panel?

(02:53)
Is this different from our whole exome sequencing panel and our whole exome reanalysis panel?

(04:00)
Tell us more about who benefits from this test.

(06:17)
What is the clinical utility of this testing?

(08:07)

Would you help providers understand how to go about ordering?

(11:23)

Could you tell us more about the types of variants identified by this test?

(13:39)

Based on those performance characteristics, how does our test match up to other exome tests available in the market?

(14:30)

Are there any other unique features you would like to highlight?

(15:57)

What is the turnaround time for the reflex panel?

(16:14)

Can the results from the WESPR test be reanalyzed in the future as new genetic knowledge emerges?

(16:56)

How are variants reported, especially variants of uncertain significance? And does the report include recommendations?

(19:31)

Would you summarize the benefits of the WESPR at Mayo Clinic Laboratories?

Published August 28, 2025

In this episode of “Answers From the Lab,” host Bobbi Pritt, M.D., chair of the Division of Clinical Microbiology at Mayo Clinic, and Matthew Binnicker, Ph.D., a microbiologist and virologist and chief scientific officer of Mayo Clinic Laboratories, discuss recent developments in viral infections. Together, they explore:

• Shope papilloma virus in rabbits (01:05): Unusual growths raise concern, though the virus poses minimal risk to humans and has actually benefitted research for other papilloma viruses.
• Chikungunya virus (07:07): What it is, how it spreads, who is at risk, and best practices for testing.
• Back-to-school viral trends (12:19): Common viruses that circulate during the school season, tips for keeping kids safe, and guidance for physicians on when to test.
• The laboratorian’s role (18:27): How laboratory professionals contribute to managing viral infections within hospital systems and the broader community.

Resources

• Forbes article: Is the ‘zombie rabbits’ virus a threat to humans?
• Mosquito-borne disease testing overview
• Mosquito-borne testing algorithms and interpretations
• Search our test catalog for more on testing for viral infections

Published August 14, 2025

In this episode of “Answers From the Lab,” host Bobbi Pritt, M.D., chair of the Division of Clinical Microbiology at Mayo Clinic, and William Morice II, M.D., Ph.D., CEO and president of Mayo Clinic Laboratories, discuss recent news about the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in healthcare. Together, they explore:

• Applications of AI tools in clinical diagnostics to identify dementia, cardiovascular conditions, and parasites.
• Ethical considerations, including global disparities in access to AI tools and environmental impacts.

Resources

• Use of artificial intelligence and digital slide scanning for detection of intestinal protozoa in trichrome-stained stool specimens
• Mayo Clinic's AI tool identifies 9 dementia types, including Alzheimer's, with one scan
• AI computing power is splitting the world into haves and have-nots - The New York Times