Welcome to the division of Dermatopathology! Dr. Joan Guitart, Director and Dr. Pedram Gerami, Dermatopathologist have special expertise in cutaneous lymphomas, melanocytic lesion, all inflammatory discorders, and pediatric dermatopathology including vascular and melanocytic lesions in children. They review hundreds of cases referred from across the nation. In fact, the Dermatopathology Laboratory is the only lab in the nation performing DIF immunomapping for all components of the basement membrane for the study of epidermolysis bullosa.
Currently, the Dermatopathology Laboratory handles approximately 30,000 skin biopsies per year. The cases come from Northwestern University as well as numerous referring physicians from the Chicago metropolitan area. Besides routine H&E staining, the laboratory processes numerous special stains including a brood panel of immunohistochemistry techniques and FISH. Dr. Joan Guitart and Dr. Pedram Gerami's research focus is on cutaneous lymphomas and melanocytic lesion There is a two year Dermatopathology Fellowship Program that is offered. Both Drs. Guitart and Gerami are also actively involved in the training of dermatology and pathology residents as well as teaching medical students. Weekly dermatopathology conferences are also offered. The Dermatopathology Laboratory's mission is to offer you the best quality services in an efficient manner. The turn-around time is consistently 2 to 3 days, and all special stains and immunohistochemistry are performed in-house allowing rapid results. Results are made available immediately by fax and online via a secure website accessible from any Internet connection using a password. We also have access to a broad range of surgical pathologists for any necessary consultation at no additional cost. The services they provide include: - Rapid processing and evaluation of hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stained sections
- Molecular studies including TCR and IGH gene rearrangements
- Extensive panel of immunohistochemical antibodies and special stains performed in-house
- Direct and indirect immunofluorescent studies for immunobullous or connective tissue disease
- Molecular analysis of various skin tumors
For further information regarding consultations, pricing and procedures for biopsy processing, and student or resident rotation, please contact Dr. Guitart at j-guitart@northwestern.edu or Ms. Janice Hilton at 312-695-1413.
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