Test Code CLLMF Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, Specified FISH, Varies
Ordering Guidance
This test is intended for instances when limited chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) probes are needed based on specific abnormalities or abnormalities identified in the diagnostic sample. The FISH probes to be analyzed must be specified on the ordering request. If targeted FISH probes are not included with this test order, test processing will be delayed and the test may be canceled and automatically reordered by the laboratory as CLLDF / Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, Diagnostic FISH, Varies.
If a complete CLL FISH panel is preferred, order CLLDF / Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, Diagnostic FISH, Varies.
If a paraffin-embedded tissue sample is received, this test will be canceled and automatically reordered by the laboratory as SLL / Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma, FISH, Tissue.
Shipping Instructions
Advise Express Mail or equivalent if not on courier service.
Necessary Information
1. A reason for testing must be provided. If this information is not provided, an appropriate indication for testing may be entered by Mayo Clinic Laboratories.
2. A flow cytometry and/or a bone marrow pathology report should be submitted with each specimen. The laboratory will not reject testing if this information is not provided but appropriate testing and interpretation may be compromised or delayed.
Specimen Required
Submit only 1 of the following specimens:
Preferred
Specimen Type: Whole blood
Container/Tube:
Preferred: Yellow top (ACD)
Acceptable: Green top (sodium heparin) or lavender top (EDTA)
Specimen Volume: 6 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Invert several times to mix blood.
2. Send whole blood in original tube. Do not aliquot.
Acceptable
Specimen Type: Bone marrow
Container/Tube:
Preferred: Yellow top (ACD)
Acceptable: Green top (sodium heparin) or lavender top (EDTA)
Specimen Volume: 2 to 3 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. It is preferable to send the first aspirate from the bone marrow collection.
2. Invert several times to mix bone marrow.
3. Send bone marrow in original tube. Do not aliquot.
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Hematopathology/Cytogenetics Test Request (T726) with the specimen.
Useful For
Detecting recurrent common chromosome abnormalities in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) using client-specified probe sets
Distinguishing patients with 11;14 translocations who have the leukemic phase of mantle cell lymphoma from patients who have CLL
Detecting patients with atypical CLL with translocations between IGH and BCL3
Evaluating specimens in which chromosome studies are unsuccessful
Reflex Tests
Test ID | Reporting Name | Available Separately | Always Performed |
---|---|---|---|
CLLMB | Probe, Each Additional (CLLMF) | No, (Bill Only) | No |
Testing Algorithm
This test includes a charge for the probe application, analysis, and professional interpretation of results for one probe set (2 individual fluorescence in situ hybridization [FISH] probes). Additional charges will be incurred for additional probe sets performed. Analysis charges will be incurred based on the number of cells analyzed per probe set. If no cells are available for analysis, no analysis charges will be incurred.
This test is performed using client-specified FISH probes and is not intended as a panel test. Specific probes must be listed in the probe request field. Reflex probes can be performed when appropriate if specified in the order request field.
When specified, any of the following probes will be performed:
6q-, request probe D6Z1/MYB
11q-, request probe D11Z1/ATM
+12, request probe D12Z3/MDM2
13q-, request probe D13S319/LAMP1
-17/17p-, request probe TP53/D17Z1
t(11q13;var) or CCND1 rearrangement, request probe CCND1 break-apart
t(11;14)(q13;q32) or IGH::CCND1 fusion, request probe CCND1/IGH
t(14;19)(q32;q13) or IGH::BCL3 fusion, request probe IGH/BCL3
Appropriate ancillary probes may be performed at consultant discretion to render comprehensive assessment. Any additional probes will have the results included within the final report and will be performed at an additional charge.
Method Name
Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH)
Reporting Name
CLL, Specified FISHSpecimen Type
VariesSpecimen Minimum Volume
Whole blood: 2 mL; Bone marrow: 1 mL
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
---|---|---|
Varies | Ambient (preferred) | |
Refrigerated |
Reject Due To
All specimens will be evaluated at Mayo Clinic Laboratories for test suitability.Clinical Information
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is one of the most common leukemias in adults. The most frequently seen cytogenetic abnormalities in CLL involve chromosomes 6, 11, 12, 13, and 17. These are detected and quantified using the CLL fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) panel.
Use of CpG-oligonucleotide mitogen will identify an abnormal CLL karyotype in at least 80% of cases. This mitogen is added to cultures when chromosome analysis is ordered and the reason for testing is B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders (CHRBM / Chromosome Analysis, Hematologic Disorders, Bone Marrow and CHRHB / Chromosome Analysis, Hematologic Disorders, Blood).
This FISH test detects an abnormal clone in approximately 70% of patients with indolent disease and greater than 80% of patients who require treatment. At least 5% of patients referred for CLL FISH testing have translocations involving the IGH locus. Fusion of IGH with CCND1 is associated with t(11;14)(q13;q32), and fusion of IGH with BCL3 is associated with t(14;19)(q32;q13.3). Patients with t(11;14) usually have the leukemic phase of mantle cell lymphoma. Patients with t(14;19) may have an atypical form of B-CLL or the leukemic phase of a lymphoma. The prognostic associations for chromosome abnormalities detected by this FISH assay are, from best to worst: 13q-, normal, +12, 6q-, 11q-, and 17p-.
Reference Values
An interpretive report will be provided.
Interpretation
A neoplastic clone is detected when the percent of cells with an abnormality exceeds the normal reference range for any given probe set.
The absence of an abnormal clone does not rule out the presence of a chronic lymphocytic leukemia clone or another neoplastic disorder.
Cautions
This test is not approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, and it is best used as an adjunct to clinical and pathologic information.
Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) is not a substitute for conventional chromosome studies because the latter detects chromosome abnormalities associated with other hematological disorders that would go undetected in a targeted CLL FISH test.
If no FISH signals are observed post-hybridization, the case will be released indicating a lack of FISH results.
Clinical Reference
1. Dewald GW, Brockman SR, Paternoster SF, et al. Chromosome anomalies detected by interphase FISH: correlation with significant biological features of B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Br J Haematol. 2003;121:287-295
2. Dohner H, Stilgenbauer S, Benner A, et al. Genomic aberrations and survival in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. N Engl J Med. 2000;343(26):1910-1916
3. Van Dyke DL, Shanafelt TD, Call TG, et al. A comprehensive evaluation of the prognostic significance of 13q deletions in patients with B-chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. Br J Haematol. 2010;148:544-550
4. Shanafelt TD. Predicting clinical outcome in CLL: how and why. Hematology Am Soc Hematol Educ Program. 2009;421-429
5. Van Dyke DL, Werner L, Rassenti LZ, et al. The Dohner fluorescence in situ hybridization prognostic classification of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL): the CLL Research Consortium experience. Br J Haematol. 2016;173(1):105-113
6. Fang H, Reichard KK, Rabe KG, et al. IGH translocations in chronic lymphocytic leukemia: Clinicopathologic features and clinical outcomes. Am J Hematol. 2019;94(3):338-345
7. Huh YO, Schweighofer CD, Ketterling RP, et al. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia with t(14;19)(q32;q13) is characterized by atypical morphologic and immunophenotypic features and distinctive genetic features. Am J Clin Pathol. 2011;135(5):686-696
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Friday
Report Available
7 to 10 daysSpecimen Retention Time
4 weeksPerforming Laboratory

Test Classification
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.CPT Code Information
88271x2, 88275, 88291-FISH Probe, Analysis, Interpretation; 1 probe set
88271x2, 88275-FISH Probe, Analysis; each additional probe set (if appropriate)
LOINC Code Information
Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
CLLMF | CLL, Specified FISH | 101920-7 |
Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
610725 | Result Summary | 50397-9 |
610726 | Interpretation | 69965-2 |
610727 | Result Table | 93356-4 |
610728 | Result | 62356-1 |
GC091 | Reason for Referral | 42349-1 |
GC093 | Probes Requested | 78040-3 |
GC092 | Specimen | 31208-2 |
610729 | Source | 31208-2 |
610730 | Method | 85069-3 |
610731 | Additional Information | 48767-8 |
610732 | Disclaimer | 62364-5 |
610733 | Released by | 18771-6 |