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Toward quality assurance for metaphase FISH: a multicenter experience
G W Dewald1, R Stallard, P I Bader
1Mayo Clinic and Mayo Foundation, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA.
American Journal of Medical Genetics
|October 28, 1996
Summary
Multicenter proficiency testing for fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) probes is feasible. This study demonstrated that FISH probe efficacy can be determined across multiple laboratories, with most errors stemming from inexperience.
Area of Science:
- Cytogenetics
- Molecular Diagnostics
Background:
- Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) is increasingly used in clinical cytogenetics.
- No established organizations currently sponsor multicenter evaluations of FISH probe efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility and efficacy of multicenter proficiency testing for FISH probes.
- To evaluate the performance of the small nuclear ribonucleoprotein polypeptide N (SNRPN) probe across 23 participating laboratories.
Main Methods:
- 23 laboratories volunteered to use a probe for SNRPN and a control locus on patient slides.
- A blind study was conducted where laboratories scored metaphases from specimens with and without del(15)(q11.2-->q12).
- Hybridization efficiency and diagnostic accuracy were assessed, along with processing time.
Main Results:
- Median hybridization efficiency was high (97.0% for site-prepared slides, 97.8% for central-lab slides).
- In the blind study, 86% of challenges yielded correct SNRPN patterns in all 5 metaphases, with 6% in 4 of 5 metaphases.
- Seven diagnostic errors (1%) occurred, primarily due to inexperience; batch processing reduced analysis time.
Conclusions:
- Proficiency testing for FISH using diverse challenges is possible across multiple centers.
- Collaboration among centers can effectively test FISH probes and evaluate associated costs.
- Standardized training and experience are crucial for minimizing errors in FISH diagnostics.