What is the experience of the cytogenetics laboratory with fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH)?
A comprehensive cytogenetics laboratory must have significant and diverse experience with FISH, a molecular testing modality that is often necessary for the accurate diagnosis of complex cases. FISH may also be used at the time of diagnosis to define cost-effective ways to monitor patients for minimal residual disease following treatment or for possible relapse. Laboratory personnel should have facility with FISH for both metaphase and interphase evaluation and should be able to discuss their validation procedures, control methodologies and reference ranges for each FISH probe being used. The oncologist should feel free to inquire about the laboratory’s experience and proficiency with the FISH probes being used for the diagnosis of their patients. As the contracted provider for all ProPath cytogenetics and flow cytometry services, University of Texas at Southwestern Medical Center (UTSWMC) excels in all above questions (see table). These internationally renowned laboratories are leader
