FISH, MET Amplification

Message

For Specimen Integrity during Extreme Weather see the “Lockbox Usage in Extreme Weather” document at the top of this page.

Test Code

METFSH

CPT Codes
88271 (x2), 88275

Preferred Specimen

Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue block

Other Acceptable Specimens

5 x5mm tumor tissue collected in culture transport medium, or 5 micron (4 micron minimum) sections collected on each of (x5) charged slides

Instructions

For MET determination in solid tumors, only biopsies with histologically proven tumor involvement should be tested.
Samples that can be tested include tumor biopsy in tissue culture media, formalin fixed paraffin-embedded block or a minimum of 4 charged/ (+)slides from formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissue. Specimen MUST be fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin. Fixation between 6 and 48 hours is recommended.

Pathology report must accompany paraffin block or slides.

Specimen viability decreases in transit. Send specimen to testing lab for viability determination. Do not reject.

Note: 100 interphase cells are microscopically scored for the copy number of MET and centromere 7 to detect amplification.
If results are not possible, the test order may be canceled and replaced with a Cytogenetics Communication.

Transport Temperature

Room temperature

Specimen Stability

Room temperature: See instructions
Refrigerated: See instructions
Frozen: See instructions

Methodology
Fluorescence in situ Hybridization (FISH)

FDA Status
This test was developed and its analytical performance characteristics have been determined by Quest Diagnostics. It has not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This assay has been validated pursuant to the CLIA regulations and is used for clinical purposes.

Setup Schedule

Set up: Daily; Report available: 5-7 days

Reference Range

See Laboratory Report

Clinical Significance

The proto-oncogene MET (c-MET) product is the hepatocyte growth factor receptor and encodes tyrosine-kinase activity. Overexpression of MET has been observed in variety of neoplasms such as kidney, lung, head and neck, ovary, breast, thyroid, brain, stomach, pancreas and colon. MET gene amplification, detected by FISH, has been associated with an unfavorable prognosis in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and resistance to EGFR inhibitors.

Performing Laboratory
Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute
14225 Newbrook Drive
Chantilly, VA 20153

Last Updated: November 24, 2021

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.