ALK Rearrangement by FISH

Test Code

ALKF

CPT Codes
88377

Preferred Specimen

Paraffin block

Minimum Volume

3 unstained slides

Other Acceptable Specimens

Unstained tissue slides, minimum of 3

Transport Temperature

Room temperature

Specimen Stability

Room temperature; paraffin blocks are stable up to 10 years and cut slides are stable up to 60 days.

Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)

Absence of tumor cells or decalcified specimens will be rejected.

Methodology

Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH)

Setup Schedule

Monday, 10 PM

Report Available

Report available 24-48 hours after set up.

Reference Range

Mutation not detected

Clinical Significance

Patients that exhibit ALK re-arrangements are resistant to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors but may be sensitive to ALK inhibitors. ALK by FISH is indicated for the identification of lung cancer patients who may benefit from ALK inhibitor therapy.

Performed By
Alverno Laboratories

Performing Laboratory
Alverno Central Lab
NMB15 (Molecular Biology, FISH)

Last Updated: October 10, 2025

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.