Alternative Name
Oncology Cytogenetics, Oncology Karyotyping
Methodology
Cytogenetics
Test Description
Cytogenetic analysis can provide an important clinical understanding for diagnosis, prognosis, and available therapies in a wide variety of hematologic and solid tumors. Chromosomal changes can consist of additions and deletions of whole chromosomes or structural changes such as insertions, inversions, translocations, and deletions. Chromosomal deletions are a common karyotypic change seen in solid tumors, creating a disruption of gene functionality thus leading to malignant disease. In leukemias and lymphomas, chromosomal translocations are identified as a common karyotypic change aiding in disease diagnosis. For more information on non-oncology based cytogenetic analysis, please refer to Constitutional Chromosome Analysis testing.
Clinical Significance
In some forms of cancer, especially hematological neoplasms, cytogenetic analysis can determine whether chromosomal changes, either structural or numerical, are present in the malignant cells, thereby facilitating diagnosis, prognosis and treatment options.
Specimen Requirements
- BM Aspirate: 1-2 mL sodium heparin tube.
- Peripheral Blood: 2-5 mL sodium heparin tube.
- Fresh/Unfixed Tissue - Lymph Node or Solid Tumor Tissue Biopsy: One thin cross-section of fresh node or one representative section of solid tumor with minimum 0.5 cm3 tissue. Collect under sterile conditions as if for microbiologic culture. Place tissue in RPMI and note type of tissue on test requisition. Lymph nodes may be sent to our Aliso Viejo, CA or Nashville, TN facility. Send solid tumor samples to the Nashville, TN facility. Please see our contact page for shipping address. Tissues placed in formalin are unacceptable for cytogenetics.
- 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 and Transportation
Do not freeze. Use cold pack for transport, make sure cold pack is not in direct contact with specimen.
CPT Code(s)*
88237, 88264, 88291. Some cases require additional study and may use 88280, 88285 and/or an additional 88237
New York Approved
Yes
Level of Service
Global
Turnaround Time
Bone marrow aspirate/blood: 5 days (standard; 7 days for known or suspected plasma cell neoplasm) | Lymph node/node biopsy: 5 days | Solid tumor: 21 days
References
- Sandberg AA. Cancer cytogenetics for clinicians. American Cancer Society Journals. https://acsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.3322/canjclin.44.3.136. Published December 31, 2008. Accessed January 11, 2021.