Many solid tumors, especially soft tissue sarcomas, have specific structural chromosomal abnormalities that can be identified by karyotyping. Certain translocations are valuable aids in confirming or establishing the diagnosis of specific sarcoma subtypes when present. Cancer cytogenetic studies can also identify numerical and structural chromosomal abnormalities present in other solid tumors, particularly childhood tumors and brain tumors, which may be helpful in establishing a diagnosis and prognostic grouping that is important for subsequent therapeutic decisions.
CPT Codes:
88239(2), 88262(1), 88291(1)
Specimen Requirements:
3-4 mm tumor biopsy obtained by aseptic method; larger specimens should be divided into multiple tubes of transport medium (i.e., laboratory-provided screw-top tubes with sterile transport medium). Do not place in fixative.
Please Note: In the absence of Genzyme tubes, use any sterile screw-top container with tissue culture medium or Hanks Balanced Salt Solution and add antibiotics: Penicillin/Streptomycin (100 IU/ml/100 μg/ml) or Gentamycin (50 μg/ml).
Turnaround Time:
8-10 days
Client Services:
Oncology/Pathology
800-447-5816
Specimen Services/Pickup:
877-246-1226