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Cancer Cytogenetics

Unstimulated Peripheral Blood

CYTO UPB

Test Synonym:

Karyotype analysis, Chromosome analysis, cytogenetic analysis

CPT Code:

88237 – Tissue culture for neoplastic disorders; bone marrow,
blood cells
88264 – Analyze 20-25 cells
88280 x2 – Chromosome analysis; additional karyotypes, each study
88291 – Cytogenetics and molecular cytogenetics, interpretation and report

Turnaround Time:

7 days

Methodology:

24, 48 and/or 72 hour culture / G-banding

Specimen Requirements:

•  7ml (min. 5ml) blood (WBC>10,000) in sodium heparin

Causes for Rejection:

Clotted specimen; Specimen exposed to extreme temperature; Anticoagulant toxic to cells; Insufficient number of cells

Specimen Stability:

18-25°C for 48 hours

Storage and Handling:

• Ship ambient overnight;
• Call before sending specimen on Friday
• Ship Saturday for Monday delivery and protected specimen from extreme temperature

Reference Range:

Chromosome count and morphology consistent with normal karyotype

Indication:

In hematological malignant diseases, recognized recurring chromosomal abnormalities often correlate with particular subtypes of leukemia that have characteristic morphological and clinical features, such as response to therapy. The study of chromosomal abnormalities serves two functions. The first is to assist in diagnosis, thereby providing prognostic information and allowing the selection of therapy and the second is to identify the sites of consistent rearrangements, providing the precise localization required for the isolation and cloning of DNA from these regions.

Peripheral blood can be used to study the cytogenetics of malignant conditions only if dividing leukemia cells, as in the leukemic stage of lymphoma or in blast crisis leukemia, are present. Blood samples are preferred only in a limited number of leukemias (such as CML and CLL) and lymphomas, respectively

References:

  1. Barch, M. (1991). The ACT Cytogenetic Laboratory Manual, 2nd edition, 395-396
  2. Dunn, B. (2005). The Cytogenetic Symposia, 2nd edition, p13-1
  3. Kaplan, B. (1994). The Cytogenetic Symposia, p8-1