1) How many specimens are required when multiple tests are requested?
Upon receipt in CGL, each sample must immediately be processed for one specific test type:
- Cytogenetics (karyotyping or FISH)
- Molecular DNA-based testing
- Molecular RNA-based testing
Individual specimens cannot be split into more than one test type. Therefore, a compatible specimen type is required for each test type that is requested (see our Specimen Guidelines and individual assay summary pages for details). In some circumstances, Molecular testing can be performed on the residual Cytogenetics pellet following karyotype/FISH testing.
Submitting the correct type and number of specimens reduces delays in testing.
Examples:
- Karyotyping and FISH tests requested, send:
- Cytogenetics specimen (e.g. 2 tubes BM aspirate in media) can be used for both
- DNA-based and RNA-based tests requested, send:
- DNA specimen (e.g. EDTA bone marrow aspirate)
- RNA specimen (e.g. EDTA peripheral blood tubes)
- FISH and RNA-based tests requested
- Cytogenetics specimen (e.g. Sodium Heparin peripheral blood tube)
- RNA specimen (e.g. EDTA peripheral blood tubes)
Exceptions:
- Multiple Myeloma
- Plasma cell isolation is performed on the specimen prior to testing. If any additional tests are requested, a second specimen is required.
- Post-transplant Chimerism
- CD3/CD33 separation is performed on the specimen prior to testing. If any additional tests are requested, a second specimen is required.