Rearrangement of the FUS gene (located at G-band region 16p11) is implicated in several chromosomal translocations associated with both solid tumors and leukemias.  A t(7;16)(q33;p11) involving the FUS gene is a characteristic feature of low grade fibromyxoid sarcoma and a t(12;16)(q13;p11) resulting in the fusion of the DDIT3 and FUS genes is present in more than 90% of myxoid and round cell liposarcomas.

Sterile container filled with sterile culture medium, sterile Hanks Balance Salt Solution (HBSS) or sterile saline.

Specimens should be immersed in sterile culture medium, sterile Hanks Balance Salt Solution (HBSS) or sterile saline within one (1) hour of procedure

1. Fix the tissue in 10% formalin for 6 - 72 hours.
2. Prepare a Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block

Either the entire block, or two (2) 5 micron cuts mounted on positively charged slides and one (1) H&E stained slide can be submitted for testing

FFPE tissue block or

Tissue section mounted on charged, unstained slides

• Cytogenetics oncology requisition

Ambient

• Improper label (unlabeled or mislabeled)
• Wrong container (anticoagulant or solution)
• Improper storage
• Leaking container
• Slides broken beyond repair

Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH)

Positive for rearrangement:  >2.5% of 200 nuclei

Negative for rearrangement: ≤2.5% of 200 nuclei