Laboratory Tests

The Molecular Diagnostic and Cytogenetics services laboratory at Subang Jaya Medical Centre (SJMC) offers cutting-edge genetic and molecular diagnostics, with a focus on targeted therapy in oncology. Molecular diagnostic and genetic services offered include the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), karyotyping, next generation sequencing (NGS) and a wide range of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) tests for malignancies such as lung, breast and haematological cancers, as well as pre- and post-natal diagnosis.

Precision medicine is rapidly evolving with the recognition that cancer therapies must be individualised and SJMC has prioritised the growth of genetic diagnostics in clinical oncology for more personalised treatment to improve patient outcome. Identifying patients most likely to benefit from life-changing targeted therapy based on molecular profiling of their tumours is the aim of genetic testing, and SJMC laboratory is a pioneer in Malaysia for wide scale deployment of Molecular and Cytogenetics services in clinical oncology nationwide. To increase accessibility and affordability of genetic diagnostic testing for patients, SJMC Laboratory collaborates with key industry and pharmaceutical partners to offer patient access sponsorship programmes.

Besides the routine oncology diagnosis, the Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory is also heavily invested in research activities with international and local collaborators, endeavouring to move research findings from the laboratory bench to the bedside. Such initiatives benefit patients and inform clinicians of newly approved targeted therapy options which are available, based on the mutations identified. For example, SJMC was part of a global study which evaluated the prevalence of PIK3CA variants and other mutations in breast cancer samples from Malaysian patients.

SJMC will continue to engage with various stakeholders for ongoing and upcoming research and sponsorship programmes to benefit more patients requiring genetic diagnostic service.