Test Code FUROC UroVysion for Detection of Bladder Cancer, Urine
Method Name
Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH) using DNA Probes
Specimen Type
VariesNecessary Information
1. Specimen source is required on request form (ie, voided, catheterized, bladder washing).
2. Provide fixative, source, reason for referral (evaluate for urothelial carcinoma or hematuria) and status of diagnosis (known previous diagnosis or suspected/unknown).
Specimen Required
Specimen Type: Urine
Sources: Voided urine, catheterized urine, bladder washings, stoma collections, ureteral brushings or washings, renal pelvic brushings or washings
Supplies: FISH for Urothelial Carcinoma Urine Collection Kit (T509)
Container/Tube:
Preferred: FISH for Urothelial Carcinoma in Urocyte Urine Collection Kit
Acceptable: 70% ethanol, PreservCyt, CytoLyt, ThinPrep UroCyte (UroCyte PreservCyt Solution)
Specimen Volume: 30 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Follow instructions included with Urocyte Urine Collection Kit.
2. If kit is not used, submit a random urine specimen with an equal volume of 70% ethanol, PreservCyt, or CytoLyt.
Specimen Minimum Volume
See Specimen Required
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
---|---|---|
Varies | Refrigerated (preferred) | |
Ambient |
Reject Due To
Unfixed specimens 48 hours after collection | Reject |
Clinical Information
Cystoscopy and urine cytology have been the primary methods for detecting urothelial carcinoma (UC). Unfortunately, urine cytology has relatively poor sensitivity for the detection of recurrent UC. This is problematic because patients who have undetected recurrent tumors may have tumor progression that places them at increased risk of developing metastatic UC.
The UroVysion assay is a fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assay for the detection of recurrent UC. The UroVysion probe set contains probes to the centromeres of chromosomes 3, 7, and 17, and a locus-specific probe to the 9p21 band (site of the P16 tumor suppressor gene). The UroVysion assay detects cells with chromosomal abnormalities consistent with a diagnosis of UC. Studies have shown that the assay has higher sensitivity than urine cytology but similar specificity for the detection of recurrent UC. The UroVysion assay also demonstrates higher specificity than the BTA-stat assay for recurrent UC.
Reference Values
An interpretive report will be provided.
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Friday
Report Available
7 to 10 daysPerforming Laboratory

CPT Code Information
88120
Forms
1. Pathology/Cytology Information (T707)
2. If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send an Oncology Test Request (T729) with the specimen.