Testing Laboratory
Auckland Te Toka Tumai | Auckland HospitalDepartment
Diagnostic Genetics
Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)
DGEN
Test Code (Numeric Code)
4218
Laboratory Handling
Sample Stability
All samples must be collected using sterile technique and placed immediately into transport media, and then delivered same day at room temperature (>8 degrees Celsius to <24 degrees Celsius).
Associated Tests
Synonyms
Solid Tumour Cancer Cytogenetics
Cancer cytogenetics
G-banded karyotype
Chromosome analysis of tumour
Tumour Cytogenetics
Turnaround Time
18 days
It should be noted that the culture time for tumour samples varies for different types of tumour. Typically, lymph node samples and aggressive paediatric tumours will be cultured for 2-3 days, while some of the slow growing sarcomas might require up to 10 days of culture time.
Specimen Type
- Tissue
Specimen Requirements
Tube/Container Type:
Preferred
- Please refer to Additional Information below
Paediatric Specimen Requirements
Tube/Container Type:
Preferred
- Please refer to Additional Information below
Additional Specimen Information
All samples need to be aseptically taken and placed immediately into transport media (available on request from the Cytogenetic Laboratory).
Tissue biopsies: At least 0.5cm3 of viable (non-necrotic) tumour tissue
Fine needle aspirate (FNA): of good cellularity for lymphoma
Core biopsy: minimum of 1cm core biopsy
Do NOT refrigerate or freeze.
Note: Samples that are smaller than the minimum size will be accepted however this may comprise the obtained results.
Specimens placed in formalin with NOT be accepted.
Last updated: 23/08/2026