TELOMERASE
Immunohistochemistry (IHC) · Urology
The biomarker telomerase has been shown to be upregulated in human epithelial cancers, and in bladder cancers. A key component of telomerase is a protein called human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT), which can be recognised in cytological specimens by Anti-hTERT Antibody (SCD-A7) using immunocytochemistry (ICC). Specifically, the presence of hTERT in urothelial cells shed from the bladder wall into urine, can be detected in this way. A positive test for hTERT in urothelial cells indicates an altered process of some kind, and since 90% of bladder cancers upregulate telomerase, it indicates an increased chance that cancer is present.
Table of Contents
Assay Description
The biomarker telomerase has been shown to be upregulated in human epithelial cancers, and in bladder cancers. A key component of telomerase is a protein called human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT), which can be recognised in cytological specimens by Anti-hTERT Antibody (SCD-A7) using immunocytochemistry (ICC). Specifically, the presence of hTERT in urothelial cells shed from the bladder wall into urine, can be detected in this way. A positive test for hTERT in urothelial cells indicates an altered process of some kind, and since 90% of bladder cancers upregulate telomerase, it indicates an increased chance that cancer is present.
Specimen Requirements
40 cc freshly collected urine mixed with an equal volume of PreservCyt Solution. Please indicate source urine: voided, catherized or bladder washing or one (1) unstained cytology slide prepared by cellular enhancement technique.
Storage and Transport
Store PreservCyt® Solution or NuCyte Solution with urine specimen between 4°C and 30°C. Process sample within 48 hours.
Specimen Rejection Criteria
All specimens must be submitted according to the test directory instructions. Before submitting specimen, please carefully review specimen requirements.
Listed below are possible causes for delays in specimen processing or possible specimen rejections or cancellations:
- No patient identification on requisition form
- No patient identification on specimen container or slides
- No referring provider
- No account information provided
- No test ordered on requisition
- No specimen source provided
- Inappropriate specimen type
- Insufficient volume for analysis
- Inappropriate specimen container
- Improper specimen transport
- Specimen leaked in transport
- Specimen submitted in incorrect or expired transport media
- Slides broken beyond repair on receipt
- Conflict between patient name on specimen and requisition form
- Specimen not properly preserved
- Sample containing a needle
A representative from Client Services will attempt to contact your office to resolve specimen problems. Additional documentation may be requested from your office to be returned by fax. In the event that resolution is not possible, the specimen may be returned to your office.
Turn Around Time (TAT)
2-3 Days.
CPT Codes*
88341, 88342, 88360