A molecular biology service is offered to aid in the diagnosis of lymphoproliferative disorders utilising PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) and capillary gel electrophoresis for IGH (Immunoglobulin heavy chain) and TCR (T cell receptor) clonality testing. The demonstration of monoclonal lymphocyte populations supports lymphoma diagnosis. The PCR reactions are performed using Invivoscribe technologies IdentiCloneTM assays which were developed and validated by the Euroclonality/Biomed-2 group. DNA can be extracted from formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissue, fresh tissue or blood.

Clonality tests available :

IGH rearrangement

TCRB gene rearrangement

TCRG gene rearrangement

Sample requirements:

Representative formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissue blocks.

fresh tissue minimum 5mm3 for molecular studies (can be sent dry or in saline).

5µm unstained paraffin sections

5-10 ml peripheral blood in EDTA

The molecular biology service participates in the UK NEQAS Leucocyte immunophenotyping IGH/TCR clonality programme.