Clonal hematopoiesis is when a group (“clone”) of blood-forming cells expands because it carries certain acquired (non-inherited) genetic changes. It is most often found through DNA sequencing tests done on blood. It becomes more common with aging and can show up during cancer testing even when a person does not have a blood cancer. In oncology care, it matters because it can affect how clinicians interpret “blood-based” genetic test results.

PCR testing is a laboratory method that detects or measures specific genetic material (DNA or RNA). It works by amplifying tiny amounts of genetic sequences so they can be identified and reported. It is commonly used in oncology to help classify cancers, track disease, and detect infections in immunocompromised patients.

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.