FISH, amniotic fluid

Diagnostic Use

Rapid prenatal FISH analysis for aneuploidy detects 70 - 80% of all chromosome abnormalities. This screening test is offered as an adjunct to routine G-Banded karyotyping. (see Chromosome analysis, amniotic fluid
Referrals are funded for:
o Fetal abnormalities detected on ultrasound scan
o Maternal screening (serum or NIPS) risk is >1:50
o Parent carries a chromosome translocation involving chromosomes 13 or 21 (e.g. Robertsonian translocation)
o Previous child or pregnancy with Down, Edwards or Patau syndrome (trisomy 21, 18 or 13)

For all other referral categories, there will be a direct charge to the patient. Please ensure payment is sent with the specimen. Cheques should be made payable to Canterbury Health Laboratories.

Department

Genetics - Cytogenetics

Delphic Registration Code

CTGN

Synonyms

Amniocentesis, FISH
Aneuploidy, AF - FISH
FISH, prenatal, aneuploidy
Prenatal cytogenetics, AF - FISH
Prenatal diagnosis, AF - FISH

Turnaround Time

5 days

Test Code

7738

Specimen Type

• Amniotic Fluid

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• Pottle

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

20

Pre-testing Requirements

Appropriate counselling by LMC or obstetrician.

Additional Specimen Information

In addition to that taken for karyotyping or microarray, 3-4 mL of amniotic fluid is required for FISH. This test is not suitable for heavily blood stained samples. For moderately blood stained samples, please call laboratory to discuss.
Collect 17-20 mL of sterile amniotic fluid into a sterile universal container. Clearly label with a minimum of two patient identifiers.
Send to laboratory in 'Prenatal Transport' pack as soon as possible, delay can affect reporting time. Keep at room temperature - do not refrigerate or freeze.
'Prenatal Transport' packs are available by phoning the Cytogenetics laboratory.

Aliquot Instructions

Additional Referral/Aliquot Information

Please notify cytogenetics lab on dispatch of amniotic fluid specimen

Interpretation

Comment on report

Reference Intervals

Comment on report

Test Method

Rapid aneuploidy screening test using fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) on uncultured nuclei and probes specific for chromosomes X, Y, 13, 18 and 21.

Detects Down, Edwards or Patau syndrome (trisomy 21, 18 or 13) or sex chromosome aneuploidy.

Non-Funded Test Cost

$751.07 (Exclusive of GST)

Billing Code

7738

Specimens received Mon, Tues, Wed and before 3pm Thurs - reported within 2 days.
Specimens received at all other times - reported within 5 days.
Inadequate specimens will result in a delayed result.

Contact Information

Enquiry Form