FISH for ALK Cyto Block




Test Mnemonic

ALKCB

CPT Codes

  • 88377 - QTY (1)
  • 88377PC - QTY (1)

Includes

  • FISH for 2p23.2-p23.1

Performing Laboratory

Cleveland Clinic Laboratories


Specimen Requirements

Volume Type Container Collect Temperature Transport Temperature Special Instructions
2 slidescytologic preparation (slide) AmbientAmbientCytology cell blocks that have been formalin fixed OR 4 μm formalin fixed paraffin-embedded tissue sections on electrostatically charged slides containing representative tumor, including Pre-H&E. Samples must not be fixed in Prefer or B5.

Minimum Specimen Requirements

Volume Type Container Collect Temperature Transport Temperature Special Instructions
2 slides    Cytology cell blocks that have been formalin fixed OR 4 μm formalin fixed paraffin-embedded tissue sections on electrostatically charged slides containing representative tumor, including Pre-H&E. Samples must not be fixed in Prefer or B5.

Stability

Environmental Condition Description
AmbientCell block slides are acceptable
RefrigeratedNot preferred
FrozenUnacceptable

Days Performed

5 days per week

Turnaround Time

5 - 7 days

Methodology

Name Description
Fluorescent In-Situ Hybridization (FISH) 

Special Info

This assay has been validated for cell blocks prepared from cytology samples fixed in formalin ONLY. Blocks prepared with other fixatives and/or methods are not acceptable

Clinical Info

Interphase FISH analysis utilizing a dual color, break-apart probe for the ALK gene at 2p23.2. Rearrangements involving ALK may be seen in individuals with late-stage, non-small lung cell cancer who may benefit from specific drug treatment. The translocation partner gene cannot be identified in this assay. If no cells are available for analysis, no analysis charges will be incurred.