Alternative Name
Anaplastic lymphoma kinase, (2p23)
Methodology
FISH
Test Description
Probes: ALK (2p23)
Disease(s): Anaplastic large cell lymphoma, NHL
Clinical Significance
ALK gene rearrangements are associated with anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (ALCL), and patients with ALK-positive ALCL have a favorable prognosis compared to patients with ALK-negative ALCL. This FISH probe detects ALK gene rearrangements irrespective of the partner gene. This probe is available separately or as part of the NHL FISH Panel.
Specimen Requirements
- Bone Marrow Aspirate: 1-2mL Sodium Heparin Tube. EDTA tube is acceptable
- Peripheral Blood: 2-5mL Sodium Heparin Tube. EDTA tube is acceptable
- Fresh, Unfixed Tissue: Tissue in RPMI
- Bone Marrow/ Peripheral Blood Smear or Fresh Tissue Touch Preparation Slides: minimum 1 slide labeled with specimen type.
- Fluids: Equal parts RPMI to specimen volume.
- Fixed Cell Suspension: A client fixed cell suspension may be submitted for testing as long as it is received in 3:1 Methanol:Glacial Acetic Acid.
- Paraffin Block: H&E slide (required) plus paraffin block. Circle H&E for tech-only.
- Cut Slides: H&E slide (required) plus 2 unstained slides cut at 4 microns. Circle H&E for tech-only.
- Note: Please exclude biopsy needles, blades, and other foreign objects from transport tubes. These can compromise specimen viability and yield, and create hazards for employees.
Storage & Transportation
Refrigerate specimen. Do not freeze. Use cold pack for transport, making sure cold pack is not in direct contact with specimen. For fresh samples: ship same day as drawn whenever possible; specimens <72 hours old preferred.
CPT Code(s)*
88377x1 manual. Codes may differ if automated analysis is performed.
Turnaround Time
5 days for both unfixed and FFPE specimens
Level of Service
Technical
Global
New York Approved
Yes