DNA ploidy

Last updated: Wednesday, 31, March, 2004
Item Process
Specimen

10 mL blood or 1-2 mL bone marrow aspirate in lithium heparin; fresh tissue.

Method

Flow cytometry, image analysis.

Application

To detect abnormal DNA content (aneuploidy) in neoplastic disorders.

Also useful in the diagnosis of triploidy in an aborted fetus.

Interpretation

Neoplastic cells may have chromosome alterations which result in an increase or decrease in the total DNA content.
These changes may be of prognostic significance, eg, in ovarian, prostatic and bladder carcinoma.

Consult pathologist.

Reference

Herrington CS and McGee JO. In: McGee JO et al eds. Oxford Textbook of Pathology. Oxford University Press 1992.