Metaphase harvest and cytogenetic analysis of malignant hematological specimens.

Cytogenetic analysis of malignant hematological disease is an important methodology used by clinicians and researchers, as observations of clonal chromosomal abnormalities have been shown to have both diagnostic and prognostic significance. The Basic Protocol describes culture, harvest, and preparation of chromosome spreads from bone marrow aspirates. Three alternate protocols describe adaptations of the Basic Protocol for preparation of specimens from chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) blood/bone marrow, plasma cell disorders, mainly bone marrow multiple myeloma (MM), and "solid" hematological samples including lymph nodes and splenic tissue. The modifications involve slightly different culture and harvest methods that are necessary to assure optimal results.