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Test ID: CTCP    
Circulating Tumor Cells (CTC) for Prostate Cancer by CellSearch, Blood

Method Description Describes how the test is performed and provides a method-specific reference

The CellSearch system consists of a CellTracks AutoPrep System and a CellTracks Analyzer. The AutoPrep system uses a ferrofluid reagent conjugated with monoclonal antibodies to epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) to immunomagnetically separate epithelial cells from other blood components. Because the epithelial cell enrichment with EpCAM does not result in a completely pure epithelial cell population, the CellSearch System also utilizes 3 stains (DAPI, anti-cytokeratin, and anti-CD45) to help distinguish true circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from contaminating leukocytes. DAPI stains the nuclei of cells and helps distinguish true cells from nonspecific debris. CTCs are identified with phycoerythrin (PE)-labeled antibodies to cytokeratin (CK) 8, 18, and 19. Leukocytes are identified with allophycocyanin (APC)-labeled antibodies to CD45. Cells that are DAPI+/CD45-/CK+ are considered tumor cells. Cells that are DAPI+ /CD45+/CK- are considered leukocytes. (Package insert: CellSearch Circulating Tumor Cell [CTC]Kit. Veridex, LLC, Raritan, NJ)

Day(s) and Time(s) Test Performed Outlines the days and times the test is performed. This field reflects the day and time the sample must be in the testing laboratory to begin the testing process and includes any specimen preparation and processing time required before the test is performed. Some tests are listed as continuously performed, which means assays are performed several times during the day.

Monday through Friday, Sunday

Analytic Time Defines the amount of time it takes the laboratory to setup and perform the test. This is defined in number of days. The shortest interval of time expressed is "same day/1 day," which means the results may be available the same day that the sample is received in the testing laboratory. One day means results are available 1 day after the sample is received in the laboratory.

4 days

Maximum Laboratory Time Defines the maximum time from specimen receipt at Mayo Medical Laboratories until the release of the test result

5 days

Specimen Retention Time Outlines the length of time after testing that a specimen is kept in the laboratory before it is discarded

Until reported

Performing Laboratory Location The location of the laboratory that performs the test

Rochester