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CHROMOSOME ANALYSIS OF BONE MARROW/BONE CORE/HAEMATOLOGIC DISORDERS BLOOD/EFFUSION FLUID

Synonym(s):
Lab Section Category
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Specimen Required

​Bone marrow (1.5ml - 2ml) in sterile sodium/lithium heparin. A blood specimen (5 - 10ml) in sodium/lithium heparin will yield results if blast cells are present in large numbers (preferably ≥25%). Blood can also be used for investigation of Lymphoproliferative Disorders (LPD), in particular, Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL). Do not use EDTA. The specimen should be taken from the first or second aspirate and it should not be haemodiluted. If the first aspirate of marrow is inadequate, it may be helpful to rotate the needle 1800 to minimise blood contamination before re-taking the marrow sample. Effusion Fluid can be taken in a sodium/lithium vacutainer.

Indications

​- Acute Leukaemia
- Lymphoma
- Myelodysplastic Syndromes
- Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia
- Other Lymphoproliferative Disorders

Method

​24-hour and 48-hour or 72-hour cultures. A stimulated culture is set up for LPD and multiple myeloma (MM).

Test Results

​Normal or Abnormal. If Abnormal, the karyotypic abnormality is described in accordance to the International System for Human Cytogenomic Nomenclature (ISCN, 2024).

Turnaround Time

​14 ~ 21 days

Day(s) Test Set up

​Monday – Saturday (office hours)

Remarks Indicate clearly the clinical diagnosis and white cell count (if any) on the cytogenetics request form or CPOE. This information is essential when initiating the cultures for cytogenetic analysis. Do not despatch a specimen near a weekend or a public holiday to avoid unnecessary delays.

Change History Notes

  • 21 Oct 2025 10:33 AM

    Updated test results for ISCN, 2020 to ISCN, 2024

  • 24 Mar 2022 03:00 PM

    ​Updated the test result for ISCN, 2016 to ISCN, 2020

  • 04 Jul 2017 09:30 AM

    Updated the test result for ISCN, 2013 to ISCN, 2016

  • 04 Dec 2015 11:45 AM

    Updated Turnaround Time: 14 ~ 21 days

  • 14 Nov 2012 04:10 PM

    Updated Specimen Required field to include Effusion Fluid.

Back: Pathology Laboratory Services

Last Updated - 21 Oct 2025