The Case for Laboratory Developed Procedures: Quality and Positive Impact on Patient Care

Kaul, Karen L.; Sabatini, Linda M.; Tsongalis, Gregory J.; Caliendo, Angela M.; Olsen, Randall J.; Ashwood, Edward R.; Bale, Sherri; Benirschke, Robert; Carlow, Dean; Funke, Birgit H.; Grody, Wayne W.; Hayden, Randall T.; Hegde, Madhuri; Lyon, Elaine; Murata, Kazunori; Pessin, Melissa; Press, Richard D.; Thomson, Richard B.

Epilepsy is a common disorder of the central nervous system characterized by periodic loss of consciousness with or without convulsions associated with abnormal electrical activity in the brain. This can significantly affect the quality of life and has major psychological and socioeconomic consequences. It is estimated that there are more than 50 million people with epilepsy worldwide, and an estimated 1 in 26 people in the United States will develop epilepsy at some point in their lifetime. A significant proportion of cases show a familial distribution, and there is an increased risk of epilepsy with a family history. The prime requirements for successful management of epilepsy are a complete diagnosis and selection of an optimal treatment to benefit the patient.