St. Elizabeth now has the ability to screen for over 50 different types of cancer through a blood test, the hospital announced this week.
The test, known as Galleri, detects DNA from cancer cells in the bloodstream, including cancers that are normally difficult to detect.
“This test is very good at picking up cancers where we don’t currently have good screening options, such as ovarian or pancreatic cancer,” said Jaime Grund, director of St. Elizabeth Precision Medicine and Breast Centers, in an announcement.
The test requires one blood draw, and results can be ready as early as two weeks, the announcement said.
When a patient receives positive results, a licensed genetic counselor contacts them to review the results and are immediately enrolled in the St. Elizabeth Cancer Prevention Clinic.
Clinic staff helps schedule an appointment with an oncologist for additional tests and any needed imaging studies.
The blood test is available through the St. Elizabeth Precision Medicine and Genetics Program for patients over 50 who are thought to be cancer free but who may be at risk.