All samples for Cytogenetics must be collected using sterile technique.
Same day delivery (at room temperature).
Conventional cytogenetics is performed on a range of solid tumour tissue samples. These include biopsy material from a tumor lesion (incision/punch/core biopsy), fine needle aspirate, pleural and/or ascitic fluid.
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Specific requirements: |
Tissue Biopsies: at least 0.5 cubic centimeters, of viable (non-necrotic) tumour tissue is sufficient for most cases. |
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Fine Needle Aspirate (FNA): of good cellularity for lymphoma. |
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Core Biopsy: minimum of 1cm core biopsy |
Please note: samples of smaller then the minimum required size could compromise the obtained results.
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The material needs to be aseptically taken and immediately placed into the transport media provided (available on request from the laboratory, ext 6409/6406 or via Lablink: 5995 or (09) 307-8995 or 0800 522 758.). Specimens cannot be used for chromosome analysis if they have been immersed in formalin.
Please send to the laboratory as promptly as possible and maintain the specimen at room temperature at all times.
All relevant clinical information should be clearly written on the accompanying request form. |
The culture time for tumour samples varies for different types of tumour. Typically, lymph node samples and aggressive paediatric tumours will be cultured in 2-3 days, while some of the slow growing sarcomas might require up to 10 days of culture time.