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Detects B-cell clonality in blood, bone marrow, body fluid cells and paraffin-embedded tissues. Used in the diagnosis, staging or monitoring of various lymphomas and other B-cell lymphoproliferations. Sensitivity: 1 clonal cell per 100 normal cells. PCR detects up to 85-90% of IgH gene rearrangements.

CPT Codes:

83891(1), 83898(3), 83909(3), 83912(1)

1. Peripheral Blood:
   • 10-20 ml in EDTA (lavender-top) tube.
   • Use cold pack for transport. Be sure cold pack is not in direct contact with specimen during transport.
2. Bone Marrow Aspirate:
   • 2-3 ml aseptically aspirated in EDTA (lavender-top) tube.
   • Provide bone marrow smear and CBC results with specimen.
   • Refrigerate specimen. Use cold pack for transport. Be sure cold pack is not in direct contact with specimen during transport.
3. Fresh Tissue Biopsy:
   • Minimum of 0.2 cm3 in transport medium. Do not use transport medium if it turns cloudy, yellow or is beyond the expiration date. Use only pink/orange color media.
   • Refrigerate specimen. Use cold pack for transport. Be sure cold pack is not in direct contact with specimen during transport.
4. Frozen Tissue Biopsy:
   • Tissue quickly frozen in a cryostat. Optimal Cutting Temperature (OCT) compound is acceptable if flash freezing equipment is not available.
   • Minimum of 0.2 cm3 snap frozen.
   • Store specimen at - 20°C. Ship on minimum of 10 lbs dry ice.
5. Fixed Paraffin Block with Corresponding H&E:
   • Neutral buffered formalin-fixed tissue required.
   • Minimum tissue size of 0.2 cm3.
   • Store specimen at room temperature (20-23.5° C).
6. Body Fluids:
   • In order to ensure adequate cellularity for a comprehensive evaluation, a white blood count (WBC) should be performed on the specimen prior to sending. If the WBC and lymphocyte count are similar to that of the peripheral blood (5 x 106 cells/μL with 20-30% lymphocytes) 25-100 ml of fluid will provide sufficient cells. The fluid volume should be adjusted upward proportionately if the WBC and lymphocyte counts are lower.
   • Evacuated bottle or collection pouch.
   • 25-100 ml fluid in 1:1 dilution transport medium. Do not use transport medium if it turns cloudy, yellow or is beyond the expiration date. Use only pink/orange media.
   • Refrigerate specimen. Use cold pack for transport. Be sure cold pack is not in direct contact with specimen during transport.

Turnaround Time:

8-10 days

Client Services: Oncology/Pathology   800-447-5816

Specimen Services/Pickup:  877-246-1226