FISH for BCL6 Gene Rearrangement Test Cost & Procedure

Rearrangement B-Non Hodgkin lymphomas can be identified and subclassified using the BCL6 gene fusion's presence. Moreover, BCL2 and MYC gene fusions can predict prognosis in B-cell lymphomas with characteristics halfway between DLBCL and Burkitt lymphoma.

What is the BCL6 gene?

The gene for B-cell lymphoma 6 (BCL6) is found at 3q27. In diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (30–40%) and follicular lymphoma (5–15%), 3q27 rearrangements may be observed. Translocations and microdeletions are structural rearrangements, with roughly half of the translocations affecting the immunoglobulin genes at 14q32, 2p12, and 22q13

Among the remaining translocations, 3q27 is paired with a wide range of other chromosomes.

This rearrangement can be found using FISH in cells that are in interphase or metaphase.

Why is this examination suggested?

• This test includes a fee for the application of the probe, for the analysis of the results, and a professional interpretation (2 individual fluorescence in situ hybridisation [FISH] probes).
• Any reflex or extra probe sets will be subject to additional fees.
• Each search must be listed in the probe request box if the patient is checked for known abnormalities.
• Only the following B-cell lymphoma-recognised subtypes are suitable for this test:

Duration: 3 to 5 days

Conditions for Specimens

F BCL6- 3 mL of sterile bone marrow centrifuge tube with fixed cytogenetically prepared cells and pellet visible in 3:1, 5 mL of peripheral blood in heparin sodium, Methanol:Acetic Acid FP BCL6 FFPE tissue is appropriate for FISH investigation. Decalcified or B5-fixed tissues frequently are not suitable for FISH. 3-5 m thick tumour slices can be mounted successfully on positively charged organosilane-coated (silanized) slides. For each probe, request two uncoloured sections, and ask for one H and E slide stained.

Keeping & Handling

Temperatures during travel range from 4 to 25 degrees Celsius, though specimens can be transported on refrigerated gel packs. At all times, keep the gel pack away from the specimen.

Prevent freezing. Extreme temperatures should be avoided.

FISH results reveal whether or not rearrangement is taking place. In a healthy cell, there are two fusion signals (orange/green or yellow), which denote two intact copies of the chromosomes.