TERC FISH
FISH · Women's Health
The cervical TERC FISH Test can see inside the cervical cells to identify chromosomal abnormalities within the cervical cell's DNA that has been linked to cervical cancer. HPV infection alone is not sufficient for oncogenic transformation. The TERC FISH test can identify an increase in chromosome copy number and TERC gene amplification which have been linked to the cellular transformation towards cervical cancer. Studies have shown that at lease 90% of invasive cervical cancer cases have increased copy numbers of the telomerase gene (TERC), located at 3q26.2.
Table of Contents
Assay Description
The cervical TERC FISH Test can see inside the cervical cells to identify chromosomal abnormalities within the cervical cell's DNA that has been linked to cervical cancer. HPV infection alone is not sufficient for oncogenic transformation. The TERC FISH test can identify an increase in chromosome copy number and TERC gene amplification which have been linked to the cellular transformation towards cervical cancer. Studies have shown that at lease 90% of invasive cervical cancer cases have increased copy numbers of the telomerase gene (TERC), located at 3q26.2.
Specimen Requirements
Acceptable specimen collection/transport containers are: •ThinPrep® Pap Vial
Storage and Transport
Specimens can be shipped and stored at 2 - 30°C. If shipping temperatures exceeding 30°C are anticipated, use cool plack. Viability after transfer to collection/transport tube is:
•ThinPrep® Pap Vial: 30 days
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)
3-7 Days.
CPT Codes*
88368x1, 88369x1