Ordering Guidance

This test does not include a pathology consultation. If a pathology consultation is desired, PATHC / Pathology Consultation should be ordered and the appropriate fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) test will be ordered and performed at an additional charge. Mayo Hematopathology Consultants are involved in both the pre-analytic (tissue adequacy and probe selection, when applicable) and post-analytic (interpretation of FISH results in context of specific case, when applicable) phases.

This assay detects chromosome abnormalities observed in paraffin-embedded tissue samples of patients with B-cell lymphoma. If a blood or bone marrow specimen is submitted, the test will be canceled and BLPMF / B-Cell Lymphoma, Specified FISH, Varies will be added and performed as the appropriate test.

If either the break-apart MYC or the MYC/IGH D-FISH probe sets are requested in isolation, both probe sets will be performed concurrently to optimize the detection of MYC rearrangements.

Shipping Instructions

Advise Express Mail or equivalent if not on courier service.

Necessary Information

1. A reason for testing and pathology report are required for testing to be performed. Send information with specimen. Acceptable pathology reports include working drafts, preliminary pathology or surgical pathology reports. The laboratory will not reject testing if a reason for testing is not provided; however, appropriate testing and interpretation may be compromised or delayed. If not provided, an appropriate indication for testing may be entered by Mayo Clinic Laboratories.

2. If the patient is being tracked for known abnormalities, an indication of which probes should be used is required for testing to be performed. See Table in Clinical Information.

Specimen Required

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

Specimen Type: Tissue

Preferred: Tissue block

Collection Instructions: Submit a formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumor tissue block. Blocks prepared with alternative fixation methods may be acceptable; provide fixation method used.

Additional Information:

1. Paraffin embedded specimens can be from any anatomic location (skin, soft tissue, lymph node, etc).

2. Bone specimens that have been decalcified will be attempted for testing, but the success rate is approximately 50%.

Acceptable: Tissue slides

Collection Instructions: For each probe set ordered, 2 consecutive, unstained, 5 micron-thick sections placed on positively charged slides. Include 1 hematoxylin and eosin-stained slide for the entire test order.