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HelpTest Code LAB3484 T Cell Clonality by PCR
Clinical System Name
T Cell Clonality by PCR
Synonyms
Gamma chain
T Cell Receptor
Sample Requirements
Specimen: Whole Blood, Bone Marrow, or Tissue
Container(s): Lavender/EDTA (preferred) or Dk Green/Sodium Heparin
Preferred Vol: 6 mL Whole Blood; 1 - 2 mL Bone Marrow
Minimum Vol: 1 mL Whole Blood; 0.5 mL Bone Marrow
Note: While green top tubes are accepted for testing, there is documentation that heparin can interfere with some PCR assays.
Processing Instructions
Reject due to: N/A - send to lab
Spin: N
Aliquot: N
Temp: 2 - 8 C
Storage location: CPA1, Send Outs rack
Note:
Optimal results are achieved when samples are received within: 72 hours of collection for bone marrow and peripheral blood 24 hours of collection for CSF, body fluids, and fresh tissue
Stability
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Whole Blood or Bone Marrow | Room temp | |
| Refrigerated | 72 h | |
| Frozen |
|
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| CSF, Body Fluids, or Fresh Tissue in RPMI | Room temp | |
| Refrigerated | 24 h | |
| Frozen |
Availability
| STAT | Performed | TAT |
|---|---|---|
| N | Tuesday |
Performing Laboratory
UW Molecular Hematopathology
825 Eastlake Avenue East, Rm G7-800
Seattle, WA 98195
Phone: (206) 288-7060
Department
Department: Send Outs
Phone Number: (206) 987-2563
CPT Codes
81342
Methodology
Method: Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)/Capillary Electrophoresis
Analytical Volume:
Limitations:
Send Out Instructions
| Reference Test Name | T Cell Clonality by PCR |
| Reference Test Number | TCRG |
| Instructions | Send out M-F with the UW courier. Keep a copy of the batch sheet for our records. Weekends and Holidays courier to UW NW220. |
Description
Monoclonal populations of T lymphocytes can be identified by testing for T cell receptor gamma chain (TCRG) gene rearrangements using a multiplex polymerase chain reaction assay followed by fragment analysis by capillary electrophoresis. A polyclonal T cell population will produce a Gaussian distribution of PCR products on capillary electrophoresis, while a clonal process will produce one or two discrete peaks. Approximately 95% of T cell lymphomas produce clonal PCR products using our primer set. A neoplastic clone must represent at least 1% of the total T cells in a mixed population for a clonal peak to be detectable in a polyclonal distribution of background peaks.