Cancer FISH • Constitutional FISH RB1/D13S319 FISH

Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) with the RB1/D13S319 probe set detects deletion in 13q14.   These 13q14 deletions may be observed in multiple myeloma and leukemia.  Constitutional deletion of this region has been associated with retinoblastoma.

Slides are prepared per standard protocols. 10 metaphase cells are scored per probe.  This FISH test is used as a supplement to standard G-banded chromosome analysis.

• Bone Marrow:  Shortly before aspiration add 0.2 cc of Sodium Heparin (1,000 units/ml) to tube of transport medium (please contact lab to arrange for transport medium to be sent).  Add at least 1 cc of bone marrow aspirate to the tube and suspend well.  Allow no clots to form.
• Peripheral blood: May be used if bone marrow is inaspirable and blasts (.5%) are present or for constitutional deletion studies.  Send in Sodium Heparin tube.
• Bone core biopsy: May also provide cells in cases where marrow is severely packed.  Send in transport medium with Sodium Heparin.
• Lymph node or tumor: Tumor specimens of at least 0.5 cm3 (up to 3 inches in diameter) are immediately collected with sterile methods into closable containers with sterile transport medium.* Needle biopsies will be accepted, but are often difficult to grow.  Deliver the specimen in transport medium to the laboratory within a day, if possible, with decreased success rates as specimens are delayed in transit.  Protect sample from temperature extremes during shipping.

*Sterile Ringer’s solution, either lactated or non-lactated and sterile isotonic saline are alternatives, if no complete RPMI is available.  Contact Client Services for more information on media requirements.
It is preferable to collect the specimen before initiation of chemotherapy in the patient.  Tumor samples should be selected from viable areas, with as little normal or necrotic material as possible. 
Fluid samples (e.g., ascitic or pleural fluid) do not require culture medium for collection, but should be collected and transported aseptically. 
Unacceptable specimens are acellular, necrotic specimens, septic specimens, specimens in fixative or frozen, or specimens collected more than one week previously.

• Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumor block or FFPE slides: 
  • If sending slides, please include H&E stained slide cut from same block
  • Preferred slice thickness is 4-5 microns on  positively charged slides. 
  • Please submit 3-5 slides.  Store at room temperature.
  • Contact Client Services for more information.

A REQUISITION FORM MUST ACCOMPANY ALL SAMPLES. Please provide detailed clinical information.

Mon - Sat

3 - 7 days

Ship via overnight express, using the FedEx priority overnight label provided.  Use cold pack to keep specimens cool, but not frozen.  Contact Client Services at (855) 535-1522 for shipping kits and instructions.