Use of test
Purpose:
Changes in chromosome structure and number in lymphoma cells can provide important prognostic and therapeutic information. Based on the differential diagnosis and results of other laboratory investigations, a relevant selection of FISH probes from this panel will be used. The panel covers the most relevant abnormalities in lymphoma: ATM deletion, 13q deletion, TP53 deletion, MALT1 rearrangements and IGH rearrangements. It can confirm the presence of, for example, IGH/CCND1 fusion in mantle cell lymphoma, IGH/MYC in Burkitt lymphoma, and IGH/BCL2 in follicular lymphoma.
Utility:
The laboratory report defines the changes in the patient's malignant cells and relates these changes to the current management recommendations.
Ethical considerations:
This is an assay for non-heritable mutations. It does not raise issues of ethics or consent that are different from most other investigations ordered in the routine care of a patient.
Methodology:
Fluorescent in situ hybridisation (FISH) analysis, using probes to detect the abnormalities noted above.
Requesting the test
Ordering:
This test is usually requested by a haematologist or oncologist.
Sample required:
0.5 mL bone marrow in transport media or 10 mL blood in lithium heparin if clinically appropriate.
To help ensure the quality of the test, a genetic test should be done with a dedicated sample whenever possible i.e. a sample collected specifically for that test rather than a sample that is used for multiple tests.
We recommend that the patient or another adult check the labelling of request forms and sample tubes.
Turnaround time:
2 business days.
Price:
$255.
Rebate:
This test is not rebated by Medicare. The laboratory assumes that the patient or client has provided informed financial consent for the test.