FISH - ALK-1 Breakapart Rearrangement Test
Short Name: FISH - ALK-1 Rearrangement
Also known as: ALK FISH Test, ALK Breakapart FISH Test, FISH for ALK Rearrangement
FISH - ALK-1 Breakapart Rearrangement Test test available at DNA Labs India for ₹12,000. Uses FISH on Formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissue block samples. Results in 4 Working Days. Free home collection in 300+ cities across India.
🩺 Medically Reviewed By
Dr Pasupathy Arumugam
Consultant Pathologist · Reg: 21521
Last reviewed: September 7, 2026
Overview
To detect ALK gene rearrangement in cancer cells for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), enabling personalized therapy approaches.
- Test Code
- 568
- Price
- ₹12,000
- Sample Type
- Formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissue block
- Result Time
- 4 Working Days
- Fasting Required
- No
- Method
- FISH
Sample Collection
Ensure tissue sample is properly fixed in formalin and embedded in paraffin. Complete the Chromosome & FISH analysis Requisition Form (Form 17).
Method: Biopsy or Surgery
Laboratory Analysis
Tissue sample obtained via biopsy or surgical procedure by a qualified healthcare professional.
Report Delivery
Ship the sample at room temperature to DNA Labs India for analysis.
Timeline: 4 Working Days
Patient Instructions
About This Test
Who Should Get This Test
To detect ALK gene rearrangement in cancer cells for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), enabling personalized therapy approaches.
How to Prepare
- Submit Formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissue block
- Ship at room temperature
- Tissue block must contain at least 10% tumor tissue
- Duly filled Chromosome & FISH analysis Requisition Form (Form 17) is mandatory
Doctor's Notes
Reviewed by Dr Pasupathy Arumugam — MBBS, MD (Pathology) · Reg. No. 21521
"This test is crucial for identifying patients with ALK-positive NSCLC who may benefit from targeted therapies like crizotinib, improving treatment outcomes."
Last medically reviewed: September 7, 2026
Test Parameters & Specifications
Sample Stability
- Insufficient tumor tissue in the sample
- Improperly fixed or degraded tissue
- Missing or incomplete requisition form
- Sample contamination or hemolysis
Understanding Your Results
Positive
ALK gene rearrangement detected, indicating potential eligibility for ALK inhibitor therapy.
Action: Consult an oncologist for targeted treatment planning and further genetic counseling.
Negative
No ALK gene rearrangement detected, suggesting other treatment pathways may be appropriate.
Action: Discuss with healthcare provider for alternative diagnostic or therapeutic options.
If you experience persistent symptoms like cough, chest pain, or shortness of breath, or before initiating any cancer treatment based on test results.
Limitations
- ⚠Cannot detect all variants of ALK rearrangements
- ⚠Requires high-quality FFPE tissue block with adequate tumor cells
- ⚠False positives or negatives may occur due to technical issues
- ⚠Not suitable for liquid biopsy or blood samples
Risks & Considerations
- ●False positive or negative results due to technical limitations
- ●Risk from biopsy procedure (e.g., bleeding, infection) if sample collection is invasive
Interfering Factors
- ●Poor tissue fixation or processing
- ●Insufficient tumor cell content (less than 10%)
- ●Sample degradation during storage or transport
- ●Technical errors in probe hybridization
Compare With Similar Tests
| Test | FISH - ALK-1 Breakapart Rearrangement Test | EGFR Mutation Test | ROS1 FISH Test | ALK Immunohistochemistry (IHC) | Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comparison | FISH - ALK-1 Breakapart Rearrangement Test | Detects EGFR gene mutations, often complementary to ALK testing in NSCLC. | Identifies ROS1 gene rearrangements, another targetable alteration in lung cancer. | A screening test for ALK expression, but FISH is confirmatory for rearrangement. | Comprehensive genetic profiling that may include ALK among multiple genes. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the FISH - ALK-1 Breakapart Rearrangement Test?
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