Updated testing algorithms for plasma cell proliferative disorders [Test in Focus]

Audio Interview

Testing

When to Order

Specimen

Performance

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Identifying cytogenetic abnormalities in patients diagnosed with plasma cell proliferative disorders, such as multiple myeloma, is key to determining risk stratification, which can assist providers in making decisions about treatment and ongoing disease management.

In many cases, physicians order both a chromosome study and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) panels for all patients with plasma cell neoplasms. Mayo Clinic research published in May 2020 showed, however, that chromosome study has no clear benefit to risk stratification. That data led Mayo Clinic Laboratories to update its algorithms regarding testing for plasma cell proliferative disorders, as Xinjie Xu, Ph.D., co-director of Mayo's Genetics and Genomics Laboratory, explains in this episode of "Answers From the Lab."

"Chromosome study has very limited clinical utility for these patients. Therefore, we are implementing this new approach to only perform plasma cell neoplasm FISH panels in these cases," Dr. Xu says.

"And we decided if a chromosome study is ordered concurrently with the FISH panel, it will be canceled upon specimen arrival. But if, as an ordering physician, you suspect a secondary myeloid malignancy, please call us before you send the specimen. In those cases, we will perform both the chromosome study and the FISH panel concurrently."

Listen to learn more from Dr. Xu about how this updated approach will eliminate unnecessary tests and reduce costs without compromising the detection of clinically significant cytogenetic abnormalities that guides patient care.

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Testing

Chromosome Analysis, Hematologic Disorders, Bone Marrow (Mayo ID: CHRBM)

Useful for:

Assisting in the diagnosis and classification of certain malignant hematological disorders.

Evaluating the prognosis in patients with certain malignant hematologic disorders.

Monitoring effects of treatment and patients in remission.

Specimen Requirements

Container/Tube: Green-top (sodium heparin)

Specimen Volume: 2 to 3 mL

Collection Instructions:

1. It is preferable to send the first aspirate from the bone marrow collection.

2. Invert several times to mix bone marrow.

Performance Information

Day(s) and Time(s) Test Performed

Specimens are processed Monday through Sunday.

Results reported Monday through Friday; 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Analytic Time 

9 days

Related Testing

PCPDS | Plasma Cell Proliferative Disorder, FISH, Bone Marrow

MSMRT | Mayo Algorithmic Approach for Stratification of Myeloma and Risk-Adapted Therapy Report, Bone Marrow

Additional Resources

Plasma Cell Proliferative Disorder [A Test in Focus]

Plasma-Cell Neoplasms

Samantha Rossi

Samantha Rossi is a Digital Marketing Manager at Mayo Clinic Laboratories. She supports marketing strategies for product management and specialty testing. Samantha has worked at Mayo Clinic since 2019.