Question about pathology lab

Jim, i went to ChatGPT, the Artificial Intelligence engine that everyone seems to be talking about and asked the question... Is Inform Diagnostics a reputable lab? I'm copy and pasting the response i received...

"[email protected]
Is Inform Diagnostics a reputable lab?
Inform Diagnostics is a reputable lab and is one of the largest independent anatomic pathology providers in the United States. The company was founded in 2012 and is headquartered in Irving, Texas.

Inform Diagnostics operates over 50 diagnostic laboratories across the country and provides a wide range of pathology services, including dermatopathology, gastrointestinal pathology, urologic pathology, hematopathology, and molecular diagnostics. The company has a team of experienced pathologists, scientists, and technologists who are committed to providing high-quality diagnostic services to patients and healthcare providers.

In addition, Inform Diagnostics has received accreditation from several organizations, including the College of American Pathologists (CAP), the Joint Commission, and the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA). These accreditations demonstrate the company's commitment to meeting the highest standards of quality and safety in diagnostic testing.

Overall, Inform Diagnostics is a reputable and trusted laboratory that provides a range of diagnostic services and operates with a commitment to quality and safety."

Then I went back and asked ChatGPT to compare Inform Diagnostics to JohnsHopkins Pathology for a second opinion on a Prostate Biopsy, heres, the respons, pasted below....

Both Inform Diagnostics and Johns Hopkins Pathology are reputable laboratories that provide pathology services, including second opinions on prostate biopsies.

Inform Diagnostics has a team of experienced pathologists who specialize in urologic pathology and offer comprehensive diagnostic services for prostate biopsies. The company uses advanced technologies and techniques to provide accurate and reliable diagnostic results. Additionally, Inform Diagnostics has received accreditation from several organizations, including the College of American Pathologists (CAP), which demonstrates the company's commitment to quality and safety.

On the other hand, Johns Hopkins Pathology is a highly regarded academic institution with a team of expert pathologists who specialize in prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment. The laboratory offers a range of diagnostic services, including second opinions on prostate biopsies, and uses state-of-the-art technologies and techniques to provide accurate and reliable results. Johns Hopkins Pathology is also involved in research and clinical trials related to prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment, which allows them to provide the latest advancements in prostate cancer care.

Ultimately, the choice between Inform Diagnostics and Johns Hopkins Pathology for a second opinion on a prostate biopsy may depend on personal preferences, location, and other factors. It may be helpful to consult with a healthcare provider or urologist to determine which laboratory is best suited to meet the individual's specific needs."

If it was me, i would put myself in the hands of Epstein and JHU, but as the chatbot said, its a personal decision.

Dont know how helpful this is but at least you know that Inform is a reputable lab.

I was raised in Irving Texas. So it's a little weird seeing mention of it here...

The lab in question is in what I call "The NEW Part." It was built AFTER DFW Airport....but kind for or because of the Airport. The building looks rather large and probably has more sq.ft. than Microsoft that is in the next parking lot. (none of which means anything)

Tudpock18 said...
I have an acquaintance who was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer. As part of the "usual advice" I suggested he get a second opinion on his biopsy slides from Dr. Epstein at JHU. His urologist pushed back saying the slides were read at Inform Diagnostics in Irving, Texas who is "just as good as JHU."

I didn't get my second opinion from JHU because I didn't trust who did my first opinion, I got a second opinion because I wanted a second opinion. I'd have appreciated a 3rd, in fact.

All the doctors at Hershey told me that if you give the slides to 20 different pathologists, you will get 20 (hopefully) slightly different opinions. There is art in the process,not just pure science.

Having the 2nd opinion align with the 1st gave me a warm and fuzzy on both of my pathology examinations.

F8 said...
i imagine all labs are "reputable". the doctor's opinion should have no bearing on getting a second opinion

This comment really cuts to the crux of the issue. I agree.

I remember an interview with Dr. Epstein in which he mentions these points that I thought worth remembering:

-- Dr. Epstein usually does the reading himself.

--He sometimes does go away for short periods to meetings, but upon his return reviews all the readings done by a colleague in his absence and will let you know of any discrepancies. As an alternative, you or your doc can specify on the order form that you'd like Dr. Epstein to do the reading himself, in which case the slide review would wait until his return to the office.

--He likes to be sent all slides and not just the ones in which the first pathology reading saw lesions, because he sometimes finds lesions on the the slides in which no cancer was originally seen.

I don't know if all these policies are still in place, but they speak to his work ethic.

Djin