Information on the EQA test Molecular Cytogenetics

This EQA test is split up in two different tasks.
In general, for Task 1 between 10 and 30 images of FISH results are made available online, together with the corresponding clinical case description and including the result of GTG banding, the indication for FISH analysis and the information on the applied probes.
As an alternative, participants will receive a sample (cell suspension or slides with dropped cell cells suspension) of a clinical case which has to be handled and analysed according to the participant’s own standard operation procedures.
In addition, in Task 2 participants have to solve a theoretical problem dealing with the appropriate application of the rules of ISCN nomenclature.
In the EQA test run 2025, a cell suspension will be sent for Task 1. Subtelomere probes for the short arms of chromosomes 1 and 6 (and corresponding control probes for these chromosomes; clarification of a translocation) are required for processing.

Participants are expected to find the (optional) aberration and to write a correct report of findings.
Furthermore, they are supposed to formulate the correct karyotype and to answer properly the questions of Task 2.
Altogether, the precondition for successful participation is a ratio of 60% of the attainable amount of points. The detailed list of criteria is published at the beginning of the editing period.