Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)-based technology allows detection of DNA or RNA sequences that may be specific for certain microorganisms, genes, or gene products. Currently the PCR lab offers the following testing:

• BCR-ABL quantitative, p120 major breakpoint
• BCR-ABL quantitative, p190 minor breakpoint
• BRAF mutational analysis
• EGFR mutational analysis
• Human papilloma virus (HPV), 14 high risk types including HPV types 16 and 18
• Immunoglobulin heavy chain gene rearrangement
• KRAS mutational analysis
• PML-RARa, quantitative, bcr 1 (long) and bcr 3 (short) forms
• T-cell receptor gamma gene rearrangement

All specimens submitted for analysis must be accompanied by a requisition form.

Samples for PCR may be submitted in several ways:

• Paraffin embedded tissue, on glass slides
• Paraffin block
• Blood and bone marrow should be collected in EDTA only. Samples for PCR testing from body fluids require a dedicated sample. Tubes that have been opened and samples for other tests will be rejected (at the director's discretion).

Normal turnaround time is estimated to be 3-5 days depending upon the day the sample is received.

Please contact Dr. Stacey O'Neill for any PCR related questions.