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HelpTest ID GCTF Germ Cell Tumor (GCT), Isochromosome 12p, FISH, Tissue
Shipping Instructions
Advise Express Mail or equivalent if not on courier service.
Necessary Information
1. A pathology report is required in order for testing to be performed. Acceptable pathology reports include working drafts, preliminary pathology or surgical pathology reports.
2. A reason for testing must be provided. If this information is not provided, an appropriate indication for testing may be entered by Mayo Clinic Laboratories.
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.
Acceptable: Slides
Collection Instructions: Four consecutive, unstained, 5 micron-thick sections placed on positively charged slides, and 1 hematoxylin and eosin-stained slide.
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send an Oncology Test Request (T729) with the specimen.
Secondary ID
35270Useful For
Supporting the diagnosis of germ cell tumors when used in conjunction with an anatomic pathology consultation
Reflex Tests
| Test ID | Reporting Name | Available Separately | Always Performed |
|---|---|---|---|
| _I099 | Interphases, 25-99 | No, (Bill Only) | No |
| _I300 | Interphases, >=100 | No, (Bill Only) | No |
| _IL25 | Interphases, <25 | 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 |
| _PBCT | Probe, +2 | No, (Bill Only) | No |
Testing Algorithm
This test does not include a pathology consult. If a pathology consultation is requested, PATHC / 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.
Method Name
Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH)
Reporting Name
i(12p), Germ Cell Tumor, FISH, TsSpecimen Type
TissueSpecimen 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
Germ cell tumors (GCT) comprise a heterogeneous group of solid neoplasms that arise in midline locations including the gonads, retroperitoneum, mediastinum, and central nervous system. GCT are categorized based upon their histologic differentiation and can be separated into 2 classes. Seminomatous GCT include seminoma of the testis, dysgerminoma of the ovaries, and germinoma of the brain. Nonseminomatous GCT include yolk sac tumor, embryonal carcinoma, choriocarcinoma, immature teratoma, and mixed forms. Due to the wide spectrum of histologic features observed in these tumors, distinction from non-GCT can be difficult. GCT are often very responsive to chemotherapy and have a better outcome relative to histologically similar malignancies. Thus, distinguishing GCT from non-GCT is critical to providing the appropriate treatment for the patient. Gain of the short arm of chromosome 12, most commonly as an isochromosome 12p[i(12p)], is a highly nonrandom chromosomal marker seen in a significant percentage of GCT. While i(12p) is not 100% specific for GCT, the literature indicates it has diagnostic and possible therapeutic relevance for patients with these tumors. Testing of i(12p) should be concomitant with histologic evaluation, and positive results may support the diagnosis of GCT.
Reference Values
An interpretive report will be provided.
Cautions
This test is not approved by the US Food and Drug Administration and it is best used as an adjunct to existing clinical and pathologic information.
Fixatives other than formalin (eg, Prefer, Bouin) may not be successful for FISH assays, however nonformalin-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
Monday through Friday
Report Available
7 to 10 daysPerforming Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
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 US 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)