Ordering Guidance

This test is only performed on specimens from pediatric patients being considered for enrollment in a Children's Oncology Group (COG) protocol. If this test is ordered and the laboratory is informed that the patient is not on a COG protocol, this test will be canceled and automatically reordered by the laboratory as BALFP / Pediatric B-Lymphoblastic Leukemia/Lymphoma panel, FISH, Varies.

At follow-up, conventional cytogenetic studies (CHRBM / Chromosome Analysis, Hematologic Disorders, Bone Marrow) and targeted B-cell ALL fluorescence in situ hybridization probes can be evaluated based on the abnormalities identified in the diagnostic study. Order BALMF / B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia/Lymphoma (ALL), Specified FISH, Varies and request specific probes or abnormalities.

Additional Testing Requirements

At diagnosis, conventional cytogenetic studies (COGBM / Chromosome Analysis, Hematologic Disorders, Children's Oncology Group Enrollment Testing, Bone Marrow) and this panel should be performed. If there is limited specimen available, only this test will be performed.

Shipping Instructions

Advise Express Mail or equivalent if not on courier service.

Necessary Information

1. Children's Oncology Group (COG) registration number and protocol number should be submitted with each specimen. The laboratory will not reject testing if this information is not provided; however, appropriate testing may be compromised or delayed.

2. 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.

3. A flow cytometry and/or a bone marrow pathology report should be submitted with each specimen. The laboratory will not reject testing if this information is not provided, but appropriate testing and interpretation may be compromised or delayed.

4. If the patient has received an opposite sex bone marrow transplant, note this information on the request.

5. If the patient has Down syndrome, note this information on the request.

Specimen Required

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

Preferred

Specimen Type: Bone marrow

Container/Tube:

Preferred: Yellow top (ACD)

Acceptable: Green top (sodium heparin) or lavender top (EDTA)

Specimen Volume: 2 to 3 mL

Collection Instructions:

1. It is preferable to send the first aspirate from the bone marrow collection.

2. Invert several times to mix bone marrow.

3. Send bone marrow specimen in original tube. Do not aliquot.

Acceptable

Specimen Type: Whole blood

Container/Tube:

Preferred: Yellow top (ACD)

Acceptable: Green top (sodium heparin) or lavender top (EDTA)

Specimen Volume: 6 mL

Collection Instructions:

1. Invert several times to mix blood.

2. Send whole blood specimen in original tube. Do not aliquot.