Test Includes:
Cytogenetics and bcr-abl translocation detection using multiple DNA probes

Specimen:
Bone marrow or peripheral blood

Volume:
If submitting bone marrow: 2 mL in pediatric green-stopper (sodium heparin) tube and 1 mL in lavender-stopper (EDTA) tube. If submitting peripheral blood: 3 mL in pediatric green-stopper (sodium heparin) tube and 7 mL in lavender-stopper (EDTA) tube.

Container:
Pediatric green-stopper (sodium heparin) tube and lavender-stopper (EDTA) tube(s)

Collection:
Submit at room temperature using Leukemia/Lymphoma Specimen Transport Kit (supplied by the Hospital). Specimens should arrive in the laboratory within 48 hours of collection. Indicate date and time of collection on the test request form.

Storage:
Maintain specimen at room temperature.

Causes for Rejection:
Specimen frozen; specimen in formalin or other fixative; clotted specimen; hemolysis; blood more than 72 hours old; bone marrow aspirates older than 5 days; bags or bottles of body fluid or bronchial washings

Use:
Confirm the diagnosis of CML and establish the chronic phase karyotype for future comparison with blast crisis alterations.

Methodology:
Cytogenetics; reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and allele-specific oligonucleotide (ASO) analysis