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HelpTest Code BCMA B-Cell Maturation Antigen (BCMA), Technical Component only
Ordering Guidance
This test includes only technical performance of the stain; no pathologist interpretation is provided.
Technical component only stains should not be ordered with PATHC / Pathology Consultation. If ordered with PATHC, the technical component stains will be canceled. Any immunohistochemistry (IHC)/in situ hybridization (ISH) stain performed as a part of the PATHC will be performed at the reviewing pathologist's discretion at an additional charge.
Shipping Instructions
Attach the green "Attention Pathology" address label (T498) and the pink Immunostain Technical Only label included in the kit to the outside of the transport container.
Specimen Required
Supplies: Immunostain Technical Only Envelope (T693)
Specimen Type: Tissue
Container/Tube: Immunostain Technical Only Envelope
Submit:
Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue block
OR
2 Unstained, positively charged glass slides (25- x 75- x 1-mm) per test ordered; sections 4-microns thick
Secondary ID
623359Useful For
Identifying cases of multiple myeloma with B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) expression.
Reflex Tests
| Test ID | Reporting Name | Available Separately | Always Performed |
|---|---|---|---|
| IHTOI | IHC Initial, Tech Only | No | No |
| IHTOA | IHC Additional, Tech Only | No | No |
Testing Algorithm
For the initial technical component only immunohistochemical (IHC) stain performed, the appropriate bill-only test ID will be reflexed and charged (IHTOI). For each additional technical component only IHC stain performed, an additional bill-only test ID will be reflexed and charged (IHTOA).
Method Name
Immunohistochemistry (IHC)
Reporting Name
BCMA IHC, Tech OnlySpecimen Type
TECHONLYSpecimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| TECHONLY | Ambient (preferred) | |
| Refrigerated | ||
Reject Due To
| Wet/frozen tissue | Reject |
| Cytology smears | Reject |
| Nonformalin fixed tissue | Reject |
| Nonparaffin embedded tissue | Reject |
| Noncharged slides | Reject |
| ProbeOn slides | Reject |
| Snowcoat slides | Reject |
Clinical Information
B-cell maturation antigen is expressed on benign plasma cells and can be overexpressed in myeloma.
Interpretation
This test does not include pathologist interpretation, only technical performance of the stain. If interpretation is required, order PATHC / Pathology Consultation for a full diagnostic evaluation or second opinion of the case.
The positive and negative controls are verified as showing appropriate immunoreactivity.
Interpretation of this test should be performed in the context of the patient's clinical history and other diagnostic tests by a qualified pathologist.
Cautions
Age of a cut paraffin section can affect immunoreactivity. Stability thresholds vary widely among published literature and are antigen dependent. Best practice is for paraffin sections to be cut within 6 weeks.
The charge of glass slides can be affected by environmental factors and subsequently may alter slide staining. Sending unsuitable glass slides can result in inconsistent staining due to poor slide surface chemistry.
Best practices for storage of positively charged slides:
-Minimize time slides are stored after being unpackaged
-Limit exposure to high humidity and heat
-Minimize exposure to plastics
Recommended fixation time is between 6 and 48 hours.
This assay has not been validated on tissues subjected to the decalcification process or use of alternative fixatives for bone and bone marrow specimens or cell blocks.
Clinical Reference
1. Gras MP, Laabi Y, Linares-Cruz G, et al. BCMAp: an integral membrane protein in the Golgi apparatus of human mature B lymphocytes. Int Immunol. 1995;7(7):1093-1106
2. O'Connor BP, Raman VS, Erickson LD, et al. BCMA is essential for the survival of long-lived bone marrow plasma cells. J Exp Med. 2004;199(1):91-98
3. Sanchez E, Li M, Kitto A, et al. Serum B-cell maturation antigen is elevated in multiple myeloma and correlates with disease status and survival. Br J Haematol. 2012;158(6):727-738
4. Tedder B, Bhutani M. Resistance Mechanisms to BCMA Targeting bispecific antibodies and CAR T-cell therapies in multiple myeloma. Cells. 2025;14(14):1077
5. Feng D, Sun J. Overview of anti-BCMA CAR-T immunotherapy for multiple myeloma and relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. Scand J Immunol. 2020;92(2):e12910
6. Zhou X, Rasche L, Kortum KM, Mersi J, Einsele H. BCMA loss in the epoch of novel immunotherapy for multiple myeloma: from biology to clinical practice. Haematologica. 2023;108(4):958-968
Method Description
Immunohistochemistry on sections of paraffin-embedded tissue.(Unpublished Mayo method)
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Friday
Report Available
1 to 3 daysSpecimen Retention Time
Until staining is completedPerforming Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
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
88342-TC, Primary
88341-TC, If additional IHC
LOINC Code Information
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| 623360 | BCMA IHC, Tech Only | No LOINC Needed |