Immunoglobulin Gene Rearrangement, PCR, Bone Marrow
Use
The test is crucial for determining whether a B-cell or plasma cell population is polyclonal or monoclonal using bone marrow specimens. It aids in identifying neoplastic cells as having B-cell or plasma cell differentiation and in monitoring for persistent neoplasms by detecting an immunoglobulin gene rearrangement profile similar to a previous neoplastic specimen. This is particularly relevant in assessing hematological malignancies where clonal populations indicate potential neoplastic processes.
Special Instructions
Specimen must arrive within 7 days of collection. Use lavender top (EDTA) or yellow top (ACD) tubes. Send bone marrow specimen in original tube without aliquoting. Invert several times to mix bone marrow before shipping.
Limitations
This test is not 100% sensitive or specific. False negatives may occur due to numerous point alterations in the immunoglobulin gene or if the clonal cells are not sufficiently plentiful. Sensitivity varies but requires at least 1% to 5% clonal cells. False positives are rare but possible in cases of polyclonal expansion leading to a predominant clone. The test cannot differentiate between physiological and neoplastic clonal populations and does not provide information on clones that may not involve B-cells or plasma cells.
New York Approved
Methodology
PCR-based (PCR)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 61113-7
- 22637-3
Result Turnaround Time
5-10 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Bone Marrow
Volume
2 mL
Minimum Volume
1 mL
Container
Lavender top (EDTA) or Yellow top (ACD) tube
Collection Instructions
Invert several times to mix bone marrow. Send specimen in original tube. Do not aliquot.
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis, Moderately to severely clotted
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 7 days |
| Refrigerated | 7 days |