Ordering Guidance

This test does not include a pathology consultation. If a pathology consultation is requested, order PATHC / Pathology Consultation, and appropriate testing will be added at the discretion of the pathologist and performed at an additional charge.

Multiple oncology (cancer) gene panels are also available. For more information see Hematology, Oncology, and Hereditary Test Selection Guide

Additional Testing Requirements

Confirmation testing for the presence of a possible anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) fusion transcript by next generation sequencing to resolve atypical or unbalanced fluorescence in situ hybridization results is available, order MCLNR / MayoComplete Lung Rearrangements, Rapid Test, Tumor.

Shipping Instructions

Advise Express Mail or equivalent if not on courier service.

Necessary Information

1. A pathology report is required for testing to be performed. If not provided, appropriate testing and/or interpretation may be compromised or delayed. Acceptable pathology reports include working drafts, preliminary pathology, or surgical pathology reports.

2. The following information must be included in the report provided.

1. Patient name? 

2. Block number - must be on all blocks, slides, and paperwork

3. Date of collection

4. Tissue Source

3. A reason for testing must be provided. If this information is not provided, an appropriate indication for testing may be entered by Mayo Clinic Laboratories.

Specimen Required

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

Preferred

Specimen Type: Tissue block

Collection Instructions: Submit a formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tumor tissue block. Blocks prepared with alternative fixation methods will be attempted but are less favorable for successful results by FISH testing; provide fixation method used.

Additional Information:

1. Paraffin-embedded specimens can be from any anatomic location (skin, soft tissue, lymph node, etc).

2. Bone specimens that have been decalcified will be attempted for testing, but the success rate is approximately 50%.

Acceptable

Specimen Type: Tissue slides

Slides: 1 Hematoxylin and eosin stained and 4 unstained

Collection Instructions: Submit 4 consecutive unstained, positively charged, unbaked slides with 5 micron-thick sections of the tumor tissue and 1 slide stained with hematoxylin and eosin.