Methodology: PCR

Clinical Significance:
This PCR-based assay evaluates T cell clonality as part of the diagnostic work-up of specimens containing atypical T cell populations. It can be used in conjunction with TCR-gamma PCR studies in order to increase the likelihood of identifying such populations in reactive as well as neoplastic T cell proliferations. TCR-β clonal rearrangements can be identified in both mature and immature T cell lymphomas and leukemias and can aid in the diagnosis of such neoplasms in conjunction with other diagnostic modalities such as histology, immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry.

Organ: Skin & Mucosa

Disease State: Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (Systemic or Cutaneous)

CPT Code(s): 81340; 88381 may apply; G0452 may apply (reference only; CPTs may vary)

Turnaround Time: Within 3-5 business days of receipt

Schedule: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday

Specimen Requirements:
• Peripheral blood, Preferred: 5 ml in EDTA (purple top) / Acceptable: 5 ml in sodium heparin (green top) - OR - • Bone marrow aspirate, Preferred: 1-2 ml in EDTA (purple top) / Acceptable: 1-2 ml in sodium heparin (green top) - OR - • Fresh tissue in RPMI - OR - • Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue (FFPE)