The core mission of Montefiore Einstein’s Diagnostic Virology Laboratory is to provide state-of-the-art routine and complex diagnostic Virology testing to the Montefiore network. Under the leadership of Amy S. Fox, MD, MS, Director, and D. Yitzchak Goldstein, MD, Assistant Director, the Diagnostic Virology Laboratory has been transformed into one of most comprehensive molecular virology diagnostic laboratories on the East Coast, providing both diagnostic services for Montefiore patients and consultation to Montefiore physicians.
In addition, the laboratory engages in clinical and collaborative research with physician colleagues as well as industry partners. For over twenty years, the main focus of this research has been on improving diagnostics based on clinical outcomes. Using databases such as Clinical Looking Glass and others, the laboratory has repeatedly set the standard for diagnostic testing and algorithms; with industry partners, it has become a critical resource for clinical trials to test new methodologies and emerging technologies. Current areas of interest include: Hepatitis viruses with respect to streamlining clinical algorithms; Human Papilloma virus with respect to improving diagnostics and reexamination of current diagnostic algorithms; and Respiratory viral testing from a clinical utility and outcomes perspective.
The laboratory is always looking for meaningful ways to expand its portfolio, with an eye towards impact and cost effectiveness. Dr. Fox and her team welcome collaborations with both clinical and basic science colleagues.