Test Code BRFKT BRAF and KIT Mutation Analysis, Next-Generation Sequencing, Tumor
Necessary Information
A pathology report (final or preliminary), at minimum containing the following information, must accompany specimen for testing to be performed:
1. Patient name
2. Block number-must be on all blocks, slides, and paperwork (can be handwritten on the paperwork)
3. Tissue collection date
4. Source of the tissue
Specimen Required
This assay requires at least 20% tumor nuclei.
-Preferred amount of tumor area with sufficient percent tumor nuclei: tissue 216 mm(2)
-Minimum amount of tumor area: tissue 36 mm(2)
-These amounts are cumulative over up to 10 unstained slides and must have adequate percent tumor nuclei
-Tissue fixation: 10% neutral buffered formalin, not decalcified
-For specimen preparation guidance, see Tissue Requirement for Solid Tumor Next-Generation Sequencing. In this document, the sizes are given as 4 mm x 4 mm x 10 slides as preferred: approximate/equivalent to 144 mm(2) and the minimum as 3 mm x 1 mm x 10 slides: approximate/equivalent to 36 mm(2).
Preferred: Submit 3, if available, or 2 of the following specimens.
Acceptable: Submit at least one of the following specimens.
Specimen Type: Tissue block
Collection Instructions: Submit a formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue block with acceptable amount of tumor tissue.
Specimen Type: Tissue slide
Slides: 1 Hematoxylin and eosin-stained and 10 unstained
Collection Instructions:
Submit the following slides:
1 slide stained with hematoxylin and eosin
AND
10 unstained, nonbaked slides with 5-micron thick sections of the tumor tissue.
Note: The total amount of required tumor nuclei can be obtained by scraping up to 10 slides from the same block.
Additional Information: Unused unstained slides will not be returned.
Specimen Type: Cytology slide (direct smears or ThinPrep)
Slides: 1 to 3 Slides
Collection Instructions: Submit 1 to 3 slides stained and coverslipped with a total of 5000 nucleated cells (preferred), or a minimum of 3000 nucleated cells.
Note: Glass coverslips are preferred; plastic coverslips are acceptable but will result in longer turnaround times.
Additional Information: Cytology slides will not be returned. An image of the slides will be stored per regulatory requirements.
Useful For
Identifying specific mutations within the BRAF and KIT genes that predict response to therapy
Special Instructions
Method Name
Sequence Capture and Targeted Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS)
Reporting Name
BRAF/KIT Mutation Analysis, TumorSpecimen Type
VariesSpecimen Minimum Volume
See Specimen Required
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
---|---|---|
Varies | Ambient (preferred) | |
Refrigerated |
Reject Due To
All specimens will be evaluated at Mayo Clinic Laboratories for test suitability.Clinical Information
The signaling pathways stimulated by the KIT protein control many important cellular processes, such as cell growth and division (proliferation), survival, and movement (migration). KIT protein signaling is important for the development and function of certain cell types, including early blood cells (hematopoietic stem cells), mast cells, cells in the gastrointestinal tract, and melanocytes. BRAF is a member of the mitogen-activated protein/extracellular signal-regulated (MAP/ERK) kinase pathway, which plays a role in cell proliferation and differentiation. Dysregulation of this pathway is a key factor in tumor progression.
Targeted therapies directed to pathways involving KIT and BRAF have demonstrated some success with increases both in progression-free and overall survival in patients with melanoma. Effectiveness of these therapies, however, depends in part on the mutation status of the pathway components.
Reference Values
An interpretive report will be provided.
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Friday
Report Available
12 to 20 daysPerforming Laboratory

Test Classification
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.CPT Code Information
88381-Microdissection, manual
81406
81479
81479 (if appropriate for government payers)
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send an Oncology Test Request (T729) with the specimen.