Oncology FISH Analysis – ALK Rearrangement
Use
Oncology FISH Analysis – ALK Rearrangement is designed to detect a prevalent chromosomal rearrangement linked with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This variant, present in 5-6% of NSCLC patients, is critical as NSCLC is the most common lung cancer type. Symptoms often resemble regular illnesses, making accurate diagnosis vital. Test results must be interpreted alongside clinical and pathological data, as they are not solely diagnostic. This assay is significant for those with clinical suspicions or diagnosed NSCLC, aiding in prognosis and therapy monitoring.
Special Instructions
It is essential that specimens for FISH testing are fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin for a duration ranging from at least 6 hours to no longer than 48 hours. The volume of formalin used should exceed 10 times that of the specimen. The use of decalcification solutions featuring strong acids is strictly prohibited. Specimens that are either inadequately or excessively fixed may yield false negative results.
Limitations
This FISH assay exclusively identifies rearrangements involving the ALK loci. It is incapable of detecting other anomalies related to this gene.
New York Approved
Methodology
Chromosomal / Cytogenetics (FISH)
Biomarkers
Result Turnaround Time
5-7 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Tissue (FFPE)
Volume
Sufficient amount of tumor
Minimum Volume
N/A
Container
Ambient temperature (18-25°C/64-77°F)
Collection Instructions
Transport paraffin-embedded, formalin-fixed tissue block containing adequate amounts of tumor marked. Include surgical pathology report.
Causes for Rejection
No tumor in tissue. Frozen specimens and specimens fixed/processed in alternative fixatives.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Indefinitely |
| Refrigerated | Acceptable |
| Frozen | Not acceptable |
Other tests from different labs that may be relevant