Test ID EWSF Ewing Sarcoma (EWS), 22q12 (EWSR1) Rearrangement, FISH, Tissue
Useful For
Supporting the diagnosis of Ewing sarcoma (EWS)/primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET), myxoid chondrosarcoma, desmoplastic small, round cell tumor, clear cell sarcoma, and myxoid liposarcoma when used in conjunction with an anatomic pathology consultation
An aid in the diagnosis of EWS when reverse transcriptase-PCR results are equivocal or do not support the clinical picture
Reflex Tests
Test ID | Reporting Name | Available Separately | Always Performed |
---|---|---|---|
_PBCT | Probe, +2 | No, (Bill Only) | No |
_PADD | Probe, +1 | No, (Bill Only) | No |
_PB02 | Probe, +2 | No, (Bill Only) | No |
_PB03 | Probe, +3 | No, (Bill Only) | No |
_IL25 | Interphases, <25 | No, (Bill Only) | No |
_I099 | Interphases, 25-99 | No, (Bill Only) | No |
_I300 | Interphases, ≥100 | No, (Bill Only) | No |
Testing Algorithm
This test does not include a pathology consult. If a pathology consultation is requested, 70012 / Pathology Consultation should be ordered and the appropriate FISH test will be ordered and performed at an additional charge.
This test includes a charge for application of the first probe set (2 FISH probes) and professional interpretation of results. Additional charges will be incurred for all reflex probes performed. Analysis charges will be incurred based on the number of cells analyzed per probe set. If no cells are available for analysis, no analysis charges will be incurred. See the Method Description for specific details.
Method Name
Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH)
Reporting Name
EWSR1 (22q12), FISH, TsSpecimen Type
TissueForms: If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send an Oncology Test Request Form (T729) with the specimen
(http://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/it-mmfiles/hematopathology-request-form.pdf)
Provide a pathology report with each specimen. The laboratory will not reject a specimen that arrives without this information but will hold the specimen until a pathology report is received.
Advise Express Mail or equivalent if not on courier service.
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.
Acceptable: Slides
Collection Instructions: Four consecutive, unstained, 5 micron-thick sections placed on positively charged slides, and 1 hematoxylin and eosin-stained slide.
Specimen Minimum Volume
Two consecutive, unstained, 5 micron-thick sections placed on positively charged slides and 1 hematoxylin and eosin-stained slide
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
---|---|---|
Tissue | Ambient (preferred) | |
Refrigerated |
Clinical Information
Ewing sarcoma (EWS)/primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNET) are members of the small, round cell group of tumors that are thought to originate in cells of primitive neuroectodermal origin with variable degrees of differentiation. The small, round cell group of tumors also includes rhabdomyosarcomas, desmoplastic small, round cell tumors, and poorly differentiated synovial sarcomas. Although immunohistochemical markers can be helpful in the correct diagnosis of these tumors, recent molecular studies have shown the specificity of molecular markers in differentiating specific subtypes of small, round blue-cell tumors. Accurate diagnosis of each tumor type is important for appropriate clinical management of patients.
Ewing tumors are characterized cytogenetically by rearrangements of the EWSR1 gene at 22q12 with FLI1 at 11q24 (t[11;22]) or ERG at 21q22 (t[21;22]) in 85% and 5% to 10% of Ewing tumors, respectively. Less than 1% of cases may have other fusion partners such as ETV1 at 7p22, E1AF at 17q12, or FEV at 2q33. Detection of these transcripts by reverse transcriptase-PCR (RT-PCR) (EWS, Ewing Sarcoma RT-PCR) that allows specific identification of the t(11;22) and the t(21;22), has greatly facilitated the diagnosis of Ewing tumors. However, if the quality of the available RNA is poor, the results are equivocal, or if a rare translocation partner is present, FISH testing has proven to be useful in identifying the 22q12 EWS gene rearrangement in these tumors.
Reference Values
An interpretive report will be provided.
Cautions
This test is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is best used as an adjunct to existing clinical and pathologic information.
Fixatives other than formalin (eg, Prefer, Bouin's) may not be successful for FISH assays, however non-formalin fixed samples will not be rejected.
Paraffin-embedded tissues that have been decalcified are generally unsuccessful for FISH analysis. The pathologist reviewing the hematoxylin and eosin-stained slide may find it necessary to cancel testing.
Day(s) Performed
Samples processed Monday through Sunday. Results reported Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CST
Report Available
7 daysPerforming Laboratory

Test Classification
This test was developed using an analyte specific reagent. Its performance characteristics were determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. This test has not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.CPT Code Information
88271x2, 88291 – DNA probe, each (first probe set), Interpretation and report
88271x2 – DNA probe, each; each additional probe set (if appropriate)
88271x1 – DNA probe, each; coverage for sets containing 3 probes (if appropriate)
88271x2 – DNA probe, each; coverage for sets containing 4 probes (if appropriate)
88271x3 – DNA probe, each; coverage for sets containing 5 probes (if appropriate)
88274 w/modifier 52 – Interphase in situ hybridization, <25 cells, each probe set (if appropriate)
88274 – Interphase in situ hybridization, 25 to 99 cells, each probe set (if appropriate)
88275 – Interphase in situ hybridization, 100 to 300 cells, each probe set (if appropriate)