Pathology Handbook

Cytogenetics - Solid Tumour FISH

Sendaway test to: Victorian Cancer Cytogenetics Service, St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne.

Registration: Sendaway registration of solid tumour specimens is performed by Anatomical Pathology.

Note: Blood, bone marrow and amniotic fluid samples should be registered by CSP. These are not Anatomical Pathology samples.

Authorisation: Pathologist authorisation required before sending. Sample selection requires pathologist triage.

All paraffin-embedded tissue FISH request must be discussed directly with the VCCS laboratory (03 9288-4150) prior to sending a specimens

Resulting: Assay results are incorporated into a supplementary biopsy report issued by an APS pathologist

Cytogentics analysis of solid tumours using cultured fresh tissue is no longer available through VCCS (2013). Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) testing on paraffin embedded tissue sections has obviated the need for conventional cytogenetic analysis.

Specimen triage will be performed in Anatomical Pathology by an APS pathologist.

Paraffin Section preparation for FISH

Requirements:

• Cut x1 HE from the pathologist selected block (The HE slide must be circled to indicate the most concentrated area of tumour for FISH)

• Cut x4 slides at 2 micron onto positively charged slides. Note: 2 micron section thickness is essential. 
• Label slides with patient name, block ID and section thickness
• Copy of request slip with clinical notes, date of collection, block ID, preferred FISH probe, tissue type, site of tumour clearly indicated