Suspected lymphoma (M225)

Molecular investigations

T cell and B cell clonality testing - screen for clonal rearrangements of the T-cell receptor (TCRB and TCRG) or B-cell receptor (IgH and IgK) using multiplex PCR.

In rare cases analysis of the IgL can also be performed - please contact us to discuss.

Testing strategy

Clonality assessment of the Immunoglobulin (Ig) and T-cell receptor (TCR) gene loci in individuals with a diagnosis or suspected diagnosis of lymphoma.

The analysis is intended to assist with the differential diagnosis in these individuals by identifying a clonal marker. This analysis may also reveal molecular markers which can be monitored during the course of a patient's treatment.

NHSE funded test referrals should be in accordance with the National Genomic Test Directory for cancer and meet eligibility criteria:

National Genomic Test Directory (NHS England) (pdf)

Target reporting times

21 calendar days for routine referrals

Sample requirements and referral information

All samples must be accompanied by our referral form.

Analysis can be performed on paraffin embedded material and cytological specimens. For paraffin embedded material, please cut 5 to 10 x 10µm sections into a microtube, depending on specimen size.

For cytological material, sections of cell blocks should be mounted on slides (multiple sections per slide are acceptable) and/or as much material from other sources (e.g. smears, touch preps) as possible should be sent on slides.

When preparing pathological material, it is necessary to ensure that all equipment (especially the microtome blade and water bath) is cleaned thoroughly between cases to prevent nucleic acid cross contamination.

This can be achieved by wiping the microtome blade and any other surfaces with ethanol until they are free of any debris from earlier cases.

All sections should be labelled with at least three identifiers, preferably patient's name and surname, date of birth and block number.

Bone marrow aspirate or peripheral blood in EDTA anticoagulant may also be analysed.

Requesting specialties

• Clinical Haematology
• Haematopathology
• Histopathology

Contact details

Email: oxford.molecularhaem@nhs.net