What Is Molecular Pathology

Molecular pathology combines tissue-based examination with molecular techniques that analyze DNA, RNA, or protein. It connects what is seen on a stained slide with genetic and expression data, and is widely used in cancer research and in clinical laboratories.

Molecular testing identifies mutations, biomarkers, or expression patterns that are not visible on a stained slide. In oncology, these results add information to morphological examination. Decisions about diagnosis and treatment are made by clinicians and qualified laboratories, not by the instruments used to prepare samples.

Common methods include PCR-based assays, DNA and RNA sequencing, and biomarker panels that analyze material extracted from tissue. When target cells make up a small part of a section, laser capture microdissection can isolate them before extraction so the result reflects the intended population.

PCR-based testing is one of the most widely used molecular methods, applied to detect infectious agents, mutations, and expression changes. Targeted sequencing panels and next-generation sequencing are also widely used in oncology research and clinical laboratories.

Laser capture microdissection isolates selected cells or regions from a tissue section under microscopic guidance, which reduces collection of surrounding tissue. Accuva Cellect has an infrared laser for single cells or small groups and a UV laser for cutting dense structures. This gives downstream PCR or sequencing a more defined input than whole-section extraction.

No. Accuva Cellect is a research instrument for isolating cells and tissue regions. It is ETL certified by Intertek for North America, which covers electrical safety. Laxco does not make diagnostic claims for the system or perform pathology testing as a laboratory service.

Yes. FFPE tissue blocks can be used for molecular analysis with extraction and amplification methods adapted to fragmented, crosslinked nucleic acids. Laxco lists FFPE and fresh-frozen tissue among the samples supported by Accuva Cellect, which allows archived cohorts to be studied retrospectively.

Molecular pathology methods are used by pathology laboratories, cancer researchers, academic groups, and pharmaceutical teams. Research uses include biomarker discovery, tumor heterogeneity studies, and drug development programs that need cell-type-specific genetic or protein data.