Karyotype is a laboratory test that looks at the number and structure of chromosomes inside cells. It provides a “chromosome map” to identify large genetic changes, such as extra, missing, or rearranged chromosomes. In oncology, it is commonly used in blood cancers and some solid tumors to support diagnosis and risk assessment. It is also used in prenatal and inherited (germline) genetic evaluations, depending on the clinical question.

Cytogenetics is the study of chromosomes, which are structures that carry genetic information in cells. In cancer care, Cytogenetics looks for chromosome changes that can help identify and classify cancers. It is commonly used in blood cancers and sometimes in solid tumors to support diagnosis and treatment planning.

Flow cytometry is a laboratory method that measures features of individual cells as they pass through a laser beam. It helps clinicians identify what types of cells are present and whether they look abnormal. Flow cytometry is commonly used in cancer care, especially for blood cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma. It may also support diagnosis and monitoring in other conditions that involve the immune system or bone marrow.

Immunohistochemistry is a laboratory method that uses antibodies to detect specific proteins in tissue samples. It helps pathologists “label” cells so they can see what type of cells are present and what the cells are expressing. It is commonly used in cancer care after a biopsy or surgery to support diagnosis and guide treatment planning. It can also be used in some non-cancer conditions to classify inflammation or infection patterns.

IHC stands for immunohistochemistry, a laboratory method used to study proteins in tissue. It helps pathologists identify what type of cells are present and what markers they express. IHC is commonly used on biopsy or surgery specimens when cancer is suspected or confirmed. The results can support diagnosis and help guide treatment planning.

FISH testing is a laboratory method that looks for specific DNA changes inside cells. It uses fluorescent (glowing) probes to highlight targeted genes or chromosome regions under a microscope. It is commonly used in cancer care to help diagnose certain tumors and blood cancers. It can also help guide treatment planning when a cancer is linked to a particular gene change.

RNA sequencing is a laboratory test that reads the RNA (gene messages) made by cells in a sample. In cancer care, it helps clinicians understand which genes a tumor is actively using. It is commonly used alongside standard pathology and DNA testing to refine diagnosis and treatment planning. It may be performed on tumor tissue, bone marrow, or sometimes blood-derived material, depending on the case.

Whole exome sequencing is a genetic test that reads the “exome,” the protein-coding parts of DNA. It is used to look for DNA changes (variants) that may help explain disease or guide care. In oncology, it may be used to study inherited cancer risk or changes found in a tumor. It is also used in genetics clinics to evaluate complex or unexplained medical conditions.

NGS stands for next-generation sequencing, a laboratory method that reads DNA and sometimes RNA. It can look at many genes at the same time to find changes (variants) that may matter in cancer care. NGS is commonly used in oncology to help clarify diagnosis, guide therapy choices, and support clinical trial matching. It may be performed on tumor tissue, blood, or other samples depending on the clinical question.

Next-generation sequencing is a laboratory method that reads genetic material (DNA or RNA) in high detail. In cancer care, it is commonly used to look for gene changes in a tumor or in blood. These results can help explain what type of cancer it is and what treatments might be relevant. It is also used in some cases to evaluate inherited (hereditary) cancer risk.