Acquired genetic disorders - MDG
For the examination of somatic gene defects in solid tumors under the platform Molecular Diagnostics UZ Gent, requests should be addressed to the Pathological Anatomy Service of UZ Gent (see also under Application Forms).
The information can be found on the website of the department https://www.uzgent.be/pathologische-onderzoeken-aa... (choose Application Form molecular pathological research). For formalin-fixation of tumor tissue, the 2013 Asco guidelines are used (Wolff et al. J. Clin. Oncol. 2013; 31: 3997-4013). At the Department of Pathological Anatomy UZ Ghent, sections are made from the FFPE tissue, the sections are adhered onto microscope slides and the percentage of tumor cells in the area with the malignant tissue is determined.
At the Center Medical Genetics Ghent, DNA and/or RNA is isolated from the tumor tissue and the molecular laboratory test is performed. The results are reported to the Department of Pathological Anatomy UZ Ghent who will report to the requesting physician.
Currently offered tests: Genetic analyses - MDG
Somatic gene defects in DNA and RNA from fresh or frozen tumor biopsies
Exceptionally, a fresh or frozen tumor biopsy can be sent directly to the Center for Medical Genetics (CMGG).
Instructions: Verworven - Cyto - Centrum Medische Genetica, use the request form 'Aanvraagformulier genetisch onderzoek voor maligne cellen (verworven aandoeningen)' (code H9.2-F3).
However, no tumor percentage is determined for fresh or frozen tumor biopsies. A negative NGS test does not exclude the presence of variants in that case.
For the examination of somatic gene defects in DNA and RNA from blood or bone marrow of patients with a hemato-oncological disease, the request should be addressed to the Clinical Biology Laboratory of Ghent University Hospital. The request form can be found at https://labgids.uzgent.be/ (choose Request forms - Request form special hematology - cytomorphology | immunophenotyping | molecular analyses). In the Clinical Biology Laboratory, the DNA and/or RNA is isolated and if decided for somatic gene defect testing, the DNA and/or RNA is delivered to the Center Medical Genetics Ghent. The interpretation of the results and reporting to the requesting physician is done by the Clinical Biology Laboratory.
Somatic gene defects in cfDNA isolated from plasma obtained from blood
For the analysis of somatic gene defects in liquid biopsies from solid tumor patients under the Molecular Diagnostics platform at UZ Gent, requests must be directed to the laboratory of the Department of Medical Genetics. Please use the request form "Aanvraagformulier genetisch onderzoek op cfDNA (liquid biopsies) van patiënten met een solide tumor". For this test, two separate blood tubes must be collected. Label the blood tube with the patient’s identification details. Blood should preferably be collected in a PAXgene blood tube, as this tube stabilizes the cfDNA in the patient’s blood. After collection, gently invert the tube several times to mix the blood well. Then place the tube in a safety container. If this type of tube is not available, an EDTA tube may exceptionally be used.
- Storage: at room temperature (15–25 °C), protected from direct sunlight
- Delivery to the laboratory: deliver with the request form within 24 hours after collection, before 5 p.m. (on Friday before 2 p.m.) – transport may be at room temperature (15–25 °C, max. 30 °C). Internally, this can be sent via the pneumatic tube system to station 2477.
Currently offered tests: Genetic analyses - MDG
Last updated: 28 November 2025 - 14:55
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