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: Blood/Bone Marrow, Lymph Node / Spleen, Skin & Mucosa, Thymus (Mediastinal Mass)

Disease State: Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (Systemic or Cutaneous), Angioimmunoblastic T Cell Lymphoma, NK/T Cell Lymphoma, Nasal Type, Precursor T-Lymphoblastic Lymphoma/Leukemia (T-ALL), T Cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (not otherwise classified)

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 - 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)