Leukemias, lymphomas, other hematopoietic malignancies and some types of solid tumors can often be characterized by specific chromosomal and genetic abnormalities. Interphase FISH does not require cell division. FISH can be used to identify those specific abnormalities that are more common. Chromosome analysis may be ordered in conjunction with or prior to FISH testing.
FISH studies are used to determine the presence of a known or suspected abnormality. This is particularly useful when there are few or no dividing cells in the sample for cytogenetic analysis.
Please Note:
- When requested, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) can be performed as an adjunct to a Genzyme cytogenetics study.
- Interpretation and report (added to all Interphase or Metaphase FISH)
- New probes/FISH tests are frequently added to this list. Please contact Client Services if the test you desire is not included in the list. For additional probes, refer to our FISH Probe Library.
Specimen Requirements:
-
Bone Marrow Aspirate: (preferred specimen type):
- If aspiration syringe requires internal pre-coating to prevent clotting, diluted sodium heparin (green-top) tube should be utilized. Do not send syringes. 2-3 ml aseptically aspirated in sodium heparin (green-top) tube. Cautionary Note: Lithium heparin also comes in green-top collection tubes. Do not collect in lithium heparin.
- Refrigerate specimen. Use cold pack for transport. Be sure cold pack is not in direct contact with specimen during transport.
- All specimens should be shipped to Genzyme on the day of collection. Delay in shipping may compromise cell viability and results.
- Peripheral Blood: (acceptable for limited tests):
- Peripheral blood can frequently yield diagnostic data (CML and CLL in particular) even when automated and manual blood counts suggest that a circulating malignant cell population is a minority one, if present at all. Metaphase FISH tests for the presence of spontaneously dividing cells.
- 5-10 ml in sodium heparin (green-top) tube. Cautionary Note: Lithium heparin also comes in green-top collection tubes. Do not collect in lithium heparin.
- Refrigerate specimen. Use cold pack for transport. Be sure cold pack is not in direct contact with specimen during transport.
- All specimens should be shipped to Genzyme on the day of collection. Delay in shipping may compromise cell viability and results.
- Smear Slides:
- FISH can be performed on unfixed, unstained bone marrow or blood smears; however, a complete study may not be possible. One slide per FISH test is preferred.
- Air dry. Do not oven dry.
- Send slides in protective case to prevent damage.
- Fixed Paraffin Block:
- Tissue should be well-fixed in formalin.
- Do not decalcify.
- 0.2 cm x 0.2 cm x 0.2 cm tissue.
- Store specimen at room temperature (20-23.5° C).
- Use cold pack for transport. Be sure cold pack is not in direct contact with specimen during transport.
Please Note: All paraffin blocks will be returned upon completion.
Turnaround Time:
1-3 days, 7-10 days when ordered with cytogenetics; 7-10 days for paraffin blocks
Client Services:
Oncology/Pathology
800-447-5816
Specimen Services/Pickup:
877-246-1226