B-Cell Clonality Testing - Immunoglobulin Heavy Chain (IgH) Gene Rearrangements

Lab area

Haematopathology - Molecular

Method and equipment

B-cell clonality is assessed using fluorescent polymerase chain reaction (PCR) from Invivoscribe, Inc. Capillary Electrophoresis is then performed, separating PCR products based on size, allowing identification of monoclonal populations (single, dominant peak) versus polyclonal populations (multiple peaks).

Expected turn-around time

3 business days

Specimen type

- Bone Marrow Aspirate in EDTA (Lavender top tube) at room temperature (minimum 2mL)

- Frozen tissue in sterile screw top tube on dry ice

Specimen requirements

- Bone Marrow Aspirate in EDTA (Lavender top tube) at room temperature (minimum 2mL)

- Frozen tissue in sterile screw top tube on dry ice

Storage and transportation

If sending Bone Marrow Aspirate, keep at room temperature or on ice.

If sending frozen tissue, keep frozen (on dry ice).

Shipping information

The Hospital for Sick Children

Rapid Response Laboratory

555 University Avenue, Room 3642

Toronto, ON

Canada

M5G 1X8

Phone: 416-813-7200

Toll Free: 1-855-381-3212

Hours: 7 days/week, 24 hours/day

Requisition

B-Cell Clonality Testing - Immunoglobulin Heavy Chain (IgH) Gene Rearrangements - requisition

Background and clinical significance

B-cell clonality testing is a molecular test used to identify whether a group of B-cells are derived from a single cell or multiple cells. This is done by analyzing the unique rearrangements of immunoglobulin (Ig) genes within the B-cells. A clonal population indicates a malignant or cancerous process, while a polyclonal population suggests a normal, reactive process.