Use of appropriate methods to produce analysable metaphase spreads and high-quality fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and array results is critical to successful cytogenetic analysis of haematological malignancies, but the analysis and reporting of the findings of these tests are equally important as it is the final report that clinicians rely upon to inform patient management. A methodical approach to reporting with the use of universally recognized nomenclature will ensure that the diagnostic and prognostic information is presented in a form that is interpretable by both clinicians and other cytogeneticists.