Cerner Orderable: Histology Specimen, free text FISH. Or paper request as an add on test to an existing specimen.

All referals for paraffin-embedded tissue FISH must be directly with the laboratory (03 9231-4154) prior to sending specimens.

A request slip indicating the clinical notes, prefered FISH probe if known and tissue type.

The follwing 2 micron sections of tissue on positively charged slides (as per immunohistochemistry), clearly labelled with patient name and section thickness must be sent:

a. 4 patient slides per probe. NOTE: For MYC testing a minimum of 6 slides are required. For >2 probes eg. "double hit" samples a minimum of 9 slides are required.

b. 1 H&E stained slide of the section intended for FISH with a marker indicating the optimal region for FISH - ie. the region with the most concentrated area of tumour.

See attached referal instruction sheet: https://pathology.easternhealth.org.au/handbook/downloads/anatomical-pathology/FISH_VCGS_instructions_2018.pdf

Section thickness should be labelled on all slides. Sections greater than 2 microns will not be accepted for processing. Decalcified  sections are not suitable for this FISH test.

Results will be available within 2-4 weeks of receipt of specimen. If a result is required urgently, please discuss directly with the lab.