FISH analysis for B Cell lymphomas
FISH: FISH involves the application of DNA probes specific to genes or genetic regions of interest and attached to the probes are fluorescent molecules which confirm the presence or absence of a particular genetic aberration when viewed under fluorescence microscopy.
Mature B-cell lymphoma can be low grade, intermediate grade, or high grade, and the prognosis and clinical course are highly variable. Genetic abnormalities have emerged as one of the most important prognostic markers in B-cell lymphomas and can aid in diagnosis. Several chromosome anomalies and variants of these anomalies have been associated with various lymphoma subtypes (see table below). Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) permits the detection of these abnormalities in bone marrow samples and in FFPE lymph node samples.
N/A
Follicular Lymphoma: Urgent: 7 calendar days Non-Urgent: 14 calendar days
High grade Lymphoma: Urgent: 7 calendar days Non-Urgent: 14 calendar days Mantle Cell Lymphoma: Urgent: 7 calendar days Non-Urgent: 14 calendar days
EDTA PB and BM samples (1ml) are acceptable for FISH only studies as appropriate. Please note the laboratory does not provide transport medium. Samples sent in transport media from an external laboratory containing Lithium heparin will be accepted if no other media available
Other fresh tissues can be analysed by FISH e.g. ascitic fluid or CSF have no specific volume requirements but should be collected into a preservative free container.
For all samples lower volumes may be accepted and processed.
FFPE Referrals 6 slides (1~2µm thick) with an H&E marked slide (essential in cases where only part of the tissue is infiltrated, or only part of the tissue is appropriate for screening) Sections should be mounted on APES-coated (or equivalent) positively charged slides.
If the blood counts are abnormal (high or low white cell count) the volumes of BM/PB requested can be adjusted accordingly. For culture (karyotyping) a WCC of 5×10^6 cells per ml is optimal.
Delayed Samples
Samples should arrive in the laboratory as soon as possible after sampling (ideally within 24 hours). Sample will not be rejected if >72 hours delayed in transit but may yield poor quality or failed results. If a delay in sample transportation is anticipated, samples should be refrigerated (4°C) and dispatched as soon as possible on the next working day.
Record last updated
November 19, 2025
Sample Container
6ml Lithium Heparin (Green top)
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Test Results
Yes, we have a Pathology User Guide
Yes. Please email your request to Imperial.nwlpcustomerservice@nhs.net
Results are communicated to clinical staff and are normally not communicated direct to patients either on telephone requests or in written report. If you need to contact us please click here to view the contact details page
Please contact the Customer Service Team Monday to Friday from 8:30am – 6:00pm on 0203 313 5353. Alternatively, see the Pathology User Guide for how to contact the relevant department. If advice is not urgent you can also email your query to Imperial.nwlpcustomerservice@nhs.net
Additional tests may be added by discussion with the relevant laboratory. The time limit for adding additional tests to a sample already received in the laboratory will depend on the type of sample and the department it was sent to.
Information on the repertoire of tests performed by pathology, including reference ranges, turnaround times and specimen requirements, can be found in the test directory.
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Imperial College Healthcare Trust Phlebotomy services
Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust Phlebotomy services
NWLP operates UKAS accredited medical laboratories as per the references below. The current scope of accreditation for all NWLP’s laboratories can be found on the UKAS website.
UKAS accredited medical laboratory/medical diagnostic service:
- Clinical Biochemistry No. 8673
- Haematology and Blood Transfusion No. 8674
- Infection & Immunity Sciences (Including Immunology, Virology, Microbiology and Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics ) No. 8659
- Cellular Pathology (Including Histopathology, Cytology and Molecular Pathology) No. 9615
If you require copies of our certificate of accreditation and associated documentation please contact Imperial.nwlpcustomerservice@nhs.net.
UKAS requires the laboratories to be accredited for a particular repertoire/scope (ISO15189), any changes or additions to repertoire require assessment by UKAS (extension to scope).
The BD Hospital Tube Guide, BD GP Tube Guide and BD Paediatric Tube Guide provide visual references to the correct tube types and collection instructions.
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INSTRUCTION SHEET FOR BLOOD SAMPLE COLLECTION
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Our accreditations
Upholding excellence in diagnostic standards
Our laboratories are accredited by the UK Accreditation Service (UKAS) against the international standard ISO15189:2022. UKAS is the accreditation body for the UK that assesses medical laboratories.
Find out more about our accreditations on the UKAS website.
UKAS website