News
The latest news from Sonic Healthcare USA.Austin, Texas, March 13, 2020
This week, Sonic Healthcare USA's network of clinical laboratories began testing for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19).
Sonic Healthcare USA has worked closely with its scientific partners and medical and operational leadership to bring up testing to ensure timely availability for patients in all geographies served by our laboratories. "We are closely monitoring capacity and are coordinating with our clinical laboratories to distribute testing that mitigates high demands from endemic regions and clusters in the United States," said Jerry Hussong, MD, MBA, the Chief Executive Officer of Sonic Healthcare USA.
Sonic has taken comprehensive measures to expand testing capacity, while maintaining high quality testing and meeting required turnaround times. As a result, Sonic is bringing up multiple testing platforms and methodologies.
Dr. Hussong added, "In response to this public health emergency, Sonic Healthcare USA pledges to do its part and is actively monitoring the situation. Our commitment is to ensure testing is available as this pandemic evolves." The well-being of our patients and employees is our highest priority, and we continue to be committed to the medical communities we serve.
About Sonic Healthcare USA
Sonic Healthcare USA is a subsidiary of Sonic Healthcare Limited, one of the world's largest medical diagnostic companies, providing laboratory services to medical practitioners, hospitals and community health services, with operations in eight countries, on three continents and providing care to over 100 million patients each year. Sonic Healthcare USA is a leading provider of state-of-the-art laboratory services and pathology practices throughout the USA with nine operating divisions and nearly eight thousand US based employees. Sonic Healthcare USA utilizes a federated business model that emphasizes medical leadership and community based testing services to provide outstanding quality and service to the doctors and patients that they serve. For more information, visit the Sonic Healthcare website at www.sonichealthcareusa.com.
|
Sonic Healthcare USA Media Contact Chief Executive Officer |
Austin, Texas – March 6th, 2020
This week, Academic and Commercial Reference Laboratory Executives met with Vice President, Mike Pence and members of the White House's Coronavirus Task Force to collectively discuss diagnostic testing availability for COVID-19.
Jerry Hussong, MD, MBA, the Chief Executive Officer of Sonic Healthcare USA (Sonic), was among those who met on behalf of the American Clinical Laboratory Association (ACLA) with key government officials, the CDC, and the FDA. At the meeting, key stakeholders discussed the role of state and local public health and commercial laboratories, hospitals, and academic medical centers to increase access to testing for the Coronavirus. "Our main goal, as a commercial laboratory, is to ensure those patients in need or at high-risk can access testing. By working together, we can accelerate those efforts with a coordinated and comprehensive approach," said Dr. Hussong.
Dr. Hussong added, "Sonic Healthcare is working with its Medical, Scientific and Operational Leadership to make patient testing available through its network of commercial laboratories in the United States and will follow the FDA guidelines for Emergency Use Authorizations (EUAs)." The FDA has recently updated its policy, thus providing an expedited pathway for the availability of diagnostics for COVID-19.
Sonic Healthcare will continue to lead and collaborate with colleagues, government officials, and our local medical communities in response to this immediate public health crisis.
Read the ACLA Statement on COVID-19 Testing
About Sonic Healthcare USA
Sonic Healthcare USA is a subsidiary of Sonic Healthcare Limited, one of the world's largest medical diagnostic companies, providing laboratory services to medical practitioners, hospitals and community health services, with operations in eight countries, on three continents and providing care to over 100 million patients each year. Sonic Healthcare USA is a leading provider of state-of-the-art laboratory services and pathology practices throughout the USA with nine operating divisions and nearly eight thousand US-based employees. Sonic Healthcare USA utilizes a federated business model that emphasizes medical leadership and community-based testing services to provide outstanding quality and service to the doctors and patients that they serve. For more information, visit the Sonic Healthcare website at www.sonichealthcareusa.com.
|
Sonic Healthcare USA Media Contact Chief Executive Officer |
Austin, Texas – February 27th, 2020
Under the guidance of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Sonic Healthcare USA (SHUSA) laboratories are closely monitoring the Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak caused by SARS-CoV-2 (previously known as 2019-nCoV). To date, over 80,000 human infections have been confirmed. More than 2500 patients have died.
Affected Geographic Areas with Widespread or Sustained Community Transmission:
- China
- Iran
- Italy
- Japan
- South Korea
Imported cases have been identified in seven states in the US: Washington, California, Arizona Texas, Wisconsin, Massachusetts, and Illinois.
According to the CDC:
- At least one person-to-person transmission in the U.S. has been reported.
- No vaccine or specific treatment for COVID-19 is currently available.
- Care is supportive.
Interim Guidance from the CDC for Healthcare Providers:
- Infection control procedures are necessary to prevent infections from spreading during healthcare delivery. COVID-19 Infection Control recommendations provided by the CDC may be accessed at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/hcp/infection-control.html
- For patients being evaluated with fever and acute respiratory illness, a detailed travel history is essential. The Criteria to Guide Evaluation of Patients Under Investigation (PUI) for COVID-19 are provided in the chart below. This information may also be accessed at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/hcp/clinical-criteria.html
- In the event of a PUI for COVID-19, healthcare providers should immediately notify both infection control personnel at their healthcare facility and their local or state health department.
- In coordination with local or state health departments, the CDC’s Emergency Operations Center (770-488-7100) will assist local/state health departments to collect, store, and ship specimens appropriately to CDC, including during after hours or on weekends/holidays.
- While COVID-19 testing can currently only be conducted at the CDC, laboratory testing for other pathogens from PUIs (including testing for influenza, RSV, etc.) should not be delayed. In order to provide adequate infection control, please notify Clinical Pathology Laboratories in advance of sending specimens from patients under investigation for COVID-19.
Criteria to Guide Evaluation of Patients Under Investigation (PUI) for COVID-19
| Clinical Features | & | Epidemiological Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Fever or signs/symptoms of lower respiratory illness (e.g. cough or shortness of breath) | AND | Any person, including health care workers, who has had close contact with a laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 patient within 14 days of symptom onset |
| Fever and signs/symptoms of a lower respiratory illness (e.g., cough or shortness of breath) | AND | A history of travel from Hubei Province, China within 14 days of symptom onset |
| Fever and signs/symptoms of a lower respiratory illness (e.g., cough or shortness of breath) requiring hospitalization | AND |
A history of travel from mainland China within 14 days of symptom onset |
For additional information, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/clinical-criteria.html
The outbreak caused by COVID-19 is rapidly evolving, and we will continue to monitor the situation and update you as new information becomes available.
|
Sonic Healthcare USA Media Contact Chief General Counsel |
Austin, TX - November 5th, 2019
Sonic Healthcare USA (Sonic) and UPMC have entered into an exclusive long-term, 15-year license agreement for access to ThyroSeq® Genomic Classifier. The test has already been commercially available through CBLPath, a Sonic Healthcare Division, but will now be available through all of Sonic's Clinical Laboratories and Anatomic Pathology practices across the United States. CBLPath will continue to offer ThyroSeq and FNA interpretation with their team of expert cytopathologists, and as a leading provider and established center of excellence for thyroid cytology and molecular services.
The ThyroSeq Genomic Classifier is a next-generation sequencing-based test that utilizes DNA and RNA from thyroid cells collected during a Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) procedure to improve the management of patients with thyroid nodules of indeterminate cytology. It distinguishes between benign and cancerous nodules and also provides specific genetic alteration information to guide individualized patient management, which may include determining the appropriate extent of surgery and selection of targeted therapies for specific patients.
"This test offers patients and physicians a different level of information than previously provided, allowing the physician team to tailor the immediate and long-term care plan for these patients," said Carlos D. Urmacher, MD, FCAP, FASCP, President of CBLPath.
Sonic exhibited last week at the 89th Annual Meeting of the American Thyroid Association® in Chicago, Illinois, where updated data was presented on the clinical utility and performance of the ThyroSeq test. Sonic Healthcare USA sponsored an Expo Theater Session on Friday, November 1, 2019, which highlighted ThyroSeq's validated diagnostic accuracy in cytology smears, cost-effectiveness of molecular testing versus diagnostic lobectomy, and performance in Hürthle Cell Nodules.
"We are very pleased to solidify our partnership with Sonic Healthcare, facilitating the expansion of patient and physician access to ThyroSeq," said Yuri Nikiforov, MD, PhD, and Vice Chair of the Department of Pathology and Director of Molecular Genomic Pathology at UPMC. "Sonic's extensive federation of Clinical Laboratories and Anatomic Pathology practices coupled with the recent expansion of validated acceptable sample types will enable more patients to benefit from ThyroSeq testing."
Jerry Hussong, MD, MBA and Chief Executive Officer of Sonic Healthcare USA said, "As a company at the forefront of diagnostic medicine, the addition of ThyroSeq to our robust cytology and molecular services throughout the United States aligns itself well with our continued focus and emphasis on advancing innovations to deliver high-quality patient care. The ThyroSeq test can help avoid costly diagnostic thyroid surgery by distinguishing between benign and cancerous thyroid nodules and is also validated for cytology smears, which is especially important when a dedicated sample is not collected for molecular testing."
About Sonic Healthcare USA
Sonic Healthcare USA is a subsidiary of Sonic Healthcare Limited, one of the world's largest medical diagnostic companies, providing laboratory services to medical practitioners, hospitals and community health services, with operations in eight countries, on three continents and providing care to over 100 million patients each year. Sonic Healthcare USA is a leading provider of state-of-the-art laboratory services and pathology practices throughout the USA with nine operating divisions and nearly eight thousand US-based employees. Sonic Healthcare USA utilizes a federated business model that emphasizes medical leadership and community-based testing services to provide outstanding quality and service to the doctors and patients that they serve. For more information, visit the Sonic Healthcare website at www.sonichealthcareusa.com.
About CBLPath, Inc.
CBLPath, a Sonic Healthcare Company, is a leading provider of sub-specialized anatomic pathology and molecular diagnostic laboratory services. In addition, CBLPath is a Center of Excellence in the interpretation of fine needle aspiration (FNA) of thyroid nodules having a staff of expert cytopathologists dedicated to the interpretation of over 40,000 thyroid FNAs annually. For more information, please visit www.cblpath.com.
About ThyroSeq
ThyroSeq® Genomic Classifier is an innovative test for thyroid nodules and cancer that utilizes next-generation sequencing technology and a proprietary genomic classifier to analyze 5 classes of alterations in DNA and RNA collected from a thyroid nodule, with reported results empowering physicians to individualize patient management. With more than a 10-year history of continuous refinement, it incorporates all major scientific discoveries and technological advances to provide the most accurate diagnosis of benign or malignant disease in thyroid nodules.
|
Sonic Healthcare USA Media Contact Chief Executive Officer |
Austin, TX - April 29th, 2019
Validation of ThyroSeq® Genomic Classifier performance in an expanded range of sample types has been presented at the 28th Annual Scientific and Clinical Congress of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) in Los Angeles, California. ThyroSeq, commercially offered by CBLPath, a Sonic Healthcare Company, is a comprehensive molecular test for thyroid nodules and cancer that is typically performed using a dedicated sample collected during fine needle aspiration (FNA) procedure. This study demonstrates that ThyroSeq can be performed using routine cytology smears, while maintaining the robust diagnostic accuracy.
In this study, ThyroSeq performance was assessed in routinely prepared Diff-Quik® and Papanicolaou-stained cytology smears. Adequate DNA results for mutations and copy number alterations were obtained in 93% of nodules and RNA results for gene fusions and gene expression in 79% of nodules. In addition, ThyroSeq performance was evaluated in reference cytology slides included in a worldwide ring trial study on quantitative cytological molecular reference specimens. ThyroSeq demonstrated accurate detection of all mutations down to 3-5% of allele frequency.
"The results of this study show that ThyroSeq Genomic Classifier achieved high performance in adequately cellular routine cytology smears," said Yuri Nikiforov, MD, PhD, Vice Chair of the Department of Pathology and Director of Molecular and Genomic Pathology at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, who presented the study at the annual meeting. "The expansion of acceptable sample types will enable more patients to benefit from ThyroSeq testing, save expenses associated with another office visit and repeated FNA biopsy, while offering the same high diagnostic accuracy to optimize patient management".
The ThyroSeq test can help avoid costly diagnostic thyroid surgeries by reliably distinguishing between benign and cancerous thyroid nodules. When a dedicated sample is not collected for molecular testing, cytology smears may be the only specimens available. Expansion of ThyroSeq testing to cytology smears means that patients with indeterminate cytology will not have to come back into a physician's office to have another sample taken, instead the available smears can be sent for testing. Previously validated and acceptable specimen types for ThyroSeq include fresh FNA samples collected into ThyroSeqPreserve solution, which remains the gold standard of specimen quality, cytology cell blocks, and FFPE tissue.
These results were presented in the oral presentation "Performance of ThyroSeq v3 Genomic Classifier in Fixed Cytology Smears" on Saturday, April 27, 2019 at 10:30-10:45 am during the meeting.
About Sonic Healthcare USA
Sonic Healthcare USA is a subsidiary of Sonic Healthcare Limited, one of the world's largest medical diagnostic companies, providing laboratory services to medical practitioners, hospitals and community health services, with operations in eight countries, on three continents and providing care to over 100 million patients each year. Sonic Healthcare USA is a leading provider of state-of-the-art laboratory services and pathology practices throughout the USA with nine operating divisions and nearly eight thousand US-based employees. Sonic Healthcare USA utilizes a federated business model that emphasizes medical leadership and community-based testing services to provide outstanding quality and service to the doctors and patients that they serve. For more information, visit the Sonic Healthcare website at www.sonichealthcareusa.com.
About CBLPath, Inc.
CBLPath, a Sonic Healthcare Company, is a leading provider of sub-specialized anatomic pathology and molecular diagnostic laboratory services. In addition, CBLPath is a Center of Excellence in the interpretation of fine needle aspiration (FNA) of thyroid nodules having a staff of expert cytopathologists dedicated to the interpretation of over 40,000 thyroid FNAs annually. For more information, please visit www.cblpath.com.
About ThyroSeq
ThyroSeq® Genomic Classifier is an innovative test for thyroid nodules and cancer that utilizes next-generation sequencing technology and a proprietary genomic classifier to analyze 5 classes of alterations in DNA and RNA collected from a thyroid nodule, with reported results empowering physicians to individualize patient management. With more than a 10-year history of continuous refinement, it incorporates all major scientific discoveries and technological advances to provide the most accurate diagnosis of benign or malignant disease in thyroid nodules.
|
Sonic Healthcare USA Media Contact Chief Executive Officer |
Austin, TX – April 26th, 2019
Data from three studies demonstrating new diagnostic and therapeutic utility of ThyroSeq® Genomic Classifier, offered commercially by CBLPath, a Sonic Healthcare Company, are being presented at the 28th Annual Scientific and Clinical Congress of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) in Los Angeles, California.
The first e-poster entitled "GLIS-Rearranged Hyalinizing Trabecular Tumors Detected in FNA Samples: Can Surgery Be Avoided?" was presented at 12:30-1:00 pm on Thursday April 25th. It highlighted the use of ThyroSeq GC to detect a rare thyroid neoplasm, hyalinizing trabecular tumor, which is difficult to diagnose in thyroid nodules with indeterminate cytology.
The second e-poster entitled "Diagnostic and Therapeutic Utility of NTRK Fusions Detected by ThyroSeq Test in Thyroid Nodules and Cancer" was presented at 1:00-1:30 pm on Thursday April 25th. This presentation focused on the diagnostic and therapeutic utility of NTRK fusions detected by ThyroSeq. The reliable detection of NTRK fusions is particularly important in light of the recent FDA approval of NTRK-specific inhibitors for treating advanced cancer carrying these fusions.
The third presentation, entitled "Performance of ThyroSeq v3 Genomic Classifier in Fixed Cytology Smears" will be presented at 10:30-10:45 am on Saturday April 27th. This study will report the results of validation of ThyroSeq test use in routine thyroid fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytology smears.
The ThyroSeq Genomic Classifier is a next generation sequencing-based test that utilizes DNA and RNA from thyroid cells collected during an FNA procedure to improve management of patients with thyroid nodules of indeterminate cytology. It reliably distinguishes between benign and cancerous nodules and also provides specific genetic alteration information to guide individualized patient management, which may include determining the appropriate extent of surgery and selection of targeted therapies for certain patients.
"The data we present at the AACE meeting demonstrates the expanding impact of ThyroSeq on diagnosis and therapeutic decisions," said Marina Nikiforova, MD, Professor of Pathology and Director of Molecular and Genomic Pathology Laboratory at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, one of the authors of these studies. "ThyroSeq provides the most comprehensive information on genetic profile of thyroid nodules that can inform cost-effective and individualized patient management, which ultimately means that patients receive the most appropriate care at the right time."
About Sonic Healthcare USA
Sonic Healthcare USA is a subsidiary of Sonic Healthcare Limited, one of the world's largest medical diagnostics companies, providing laboratory services to medical practitioners, hospitals and community health services, with operations in eight countries, on three continents and providing care to over 100 million patients each year. Sonic Healthcare USA is a leading provider of state of the art laboratory services throughout the USA with nine operating divisions and over seven thousand US-based employees. Sonic Healthcare USA utilizes a federated business model that emphasizes medical leadership and community-based testing services to provide outstanding quality and service to the doctors and patients that they serve. For more information, visit Sonic Healthcare USA.
About CBLPath, Inc.
CBLPath, a Sonic Healthcare Company, is a leading provider of sub-specialized anatomic pathology and molecular diagnostic laboratory services. In addition, CBLPath is a Center of Excellence in the interpretation of fine needle aspiration (FNA) of thyroid nodules having a staff of expert cytopathologists dedicated to the interpretation of over 40,000 thyroid FNAs annually. For more information, please visit www.cblpath.com.
About ThyroSeq
ThyroSeq® Genomic Classifier is an innovative test for thyroid nodules and cancer that utilizes next-generation sequencing technology and a proprietary genomic classifier to analyze 5 classes of alterations in DNA and RNA collected from a thyroid nodule, with reported results empowering physicians to individualize patient management. With more than a 10-year history of continuous refinement, it incorporates all major scientific discoveries and technological advances to provide the most accurate diagnosis of benign or malignant disease in thyroid nodules.
|
Sonic Healthcare USA Media Contact Chief Strategy Officer |
Austin, TX – March 25th, 2019
American Esoteric Laboratories (AEL), a division of Sonic Healthcare USA (Sonic Healthcare), has announced that it will be a Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama (BCBSAL) Preferred Medical Laboratory Plus Network across the state of Alabama effective April 1, 2019.
AEL is one of three laboratory service providers that have been awarded this designated status with BCBSAL, providing coverage to more than 1.5 million people in Alabama. AEL provides comprehensive laboratory services in the Mid-South region of the United States and Alabama, including an extensive network of local services. This new expansion of coverage recognizes AEL’s strong medical leadership philosophy that values local continuity of care for patients and provides for comprehensive and responsive laboratory services together with innovative technologies to support physicians and healthcare providers.
Having AEL as a Preferred Medical Laboratory Plus Network is a significant win for the community, giving covered members additional provider choice and broader access to our local clinical laboratory services and patient service center network. AEL is committed to supporting the Alabama community, and believes in the value of keeping medicine local,” said David Smalley, PhD, President, AEL.
“AEL is ready to provide unparalleled service and capabilities to providers across Alabama. Our unique medical leadership model focuses on an unwavering commitment to patient care and an ongoing alliance with healthcare providers. Our success is predicated on being an integral and collaborative partner with the local medical community, a formula which is deeply embedded into our operating philosophy,” said Jerry Hussong, MD, Sonic Healthcare USA’s Chief Executive Officer.
About Sonic Healthcare USA
Sonic Healthcare USA is a subsidiary of Sonic Healthcare Limited, one of the world's largest medical diagnostics companies, providing laboratory services to medical practitioners, hospitals and community health services, with operations in eight countries, on three continents and providing care to over 100 million patients each year. Sonic Healthcare USA is a leading provider of state of the art laboratory services throughout the USA with nine operating divisions and over seven thousand US-based employees. Sonic Healthcare USA utilizes a federated business model that emphasizes medical leadership and community-based testing services to provide outstanding quality and service to the doctors and patients that they serve. For more information, visit Sonic Healthcare USA.
About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama has insured Alabamians for 82 years. Blue Cross offers coverage plans to corporations, individuals and the senior market. For more information about Blue Cross, visit AlabamaBlue.com. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
|
Sonic Healthcare USA Media Contact Chief Strategy Officer |
AEL Media Contact AEL President |
Toledo, OH – August 2nd, 2018
Sonic Healthcare USA (Sonic Healthcare) and ProMedica Health System (ProMedica) announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement to form a joint venture to enhance laboratory services for patients and healthcare providers throughout Ohio, Michigan, and parts of Indiana.
The joint venture will operate under the name of ProMedica Pathology Laboratories (PPL). This new entity combines the existing, high-quality, inpatient and outreach laboratory testing capabilities of ProMedica Laboratories with the outreach laboratory knowledge of Sonic Healthcare's Pathology Laboratories (PathLabs) division, based in Toledo, Ohio and the esoteric testing capabilities offered by Sonic Healthcare.
The joint venture will provide inpatient reference testing services for ProMedica's hospital-based rapid response laboratories, as well as a comprehensive menu of outreach testing services for physicians based in Ohio, Michigan, and parts of Indiana.
The new partnership will provide more comprehensive and responsive laboratory services for local physicians and healthcare providers. As an added benefit, over 90 percent of the testing completed by PPL will be performed locally at the joint venture's Toledo, Ohio core laboratory, maintaining critical jobs and skills along with the provision of healthcare services within the community.
"We are delighted to be partnering with ProMedica. This new company, PPL, is the next step forward in a healthcare collaboration that combines the complementary expertise and capabilities of Sonic Healthcare and ProMedica to provide high quality, community-based laboratory services in Ohio and beyond. It is also part of Sonic Healthcare's national strategy to create innovative laboratory affiliations with leading health systems around the country" said Steve Shumpert, Sonic Healthcare USA's Chief Executive Officer.
"ProMedica is extremely pleased to be participating in this joint venture with Sonic Healthcare USA. The newly combined organization has enabled us to expand the service as well as the geographic reach of ProMedica's existing lab services. We expect the economies of scale from this partnership to help us bring better value to our patients and expand our service offerings," said Kevin Webb, President, Provider, Acute and Ambulatory Care, ProMedica.
About ProMedica Health System
ProMedica is a mission-based, not-for-profit integrated healthcare organization headquartered in Toledo, Ohio. It serves communities in 30 states. The organization offers acute and ambulatory care, an insurance company with a dental plan, and post-acute and academic business lines. The organization has more than 70,000 employees, 13 hospitals, 2,700 physicians and advanced practice providers with privileges, 900+ healthcare providers employed by ProMedica Physicians, a health plan, and 450 assisted living facilities, skilled nursing and rehabilitation centers, memory care communities, outpatient rehabilitation clinics, and hospice and home health care agencies. Driven by its Mission to improve your health and well-being, ProMedica has been nationally recognized for its advocacy programs and efforts to address social determinants of health. For more information about ProMedica, please visit www.promedica.org/aboutus.
About Sonic Healthcare USA
Sonic Healthcare USA is a subsidiary of Sonic Healthcare Limited, one of the world's largest medical diagnostics companies, providing laboratory services to medical practitioners, hospitals and community health services, with operations in eight countries, on three continents and providing care to over 100 million patients each year. Sonic Healthcare USA is a leading provider of state of the art laboratory services throughout the USA with nine operating divisions and over seven thousand US-based employees. Sonic Healthcare USA utilizes a federated business model that emphasizes medical leadership and community-based testing services to provide outstanding quality and service to the doctors and patients that they serve. For more information, visit Sonic Healthcare USA.