Department of Pediatrics

Maintain sample sterility, keep all specimens at room temperature, and deliver to the laboratory within 24-48 hours ( Shipping Instructions). Do not "fix" samples in any manner contrary to the maintenance of cell viability. If specimen collection materials (i.e., tissue culture medium, etc.) are needed please contact our laboratory prior to collecting the sample.

Download the complete
Specimen Collection Manual
here (PDF format)

Amniotic Fluid Samples: For routine chromosome studies, aseptically collect approximately 1 cc of fluid per week of gestational age in two sterile 15 ml conical centrifuge tubes and sequentially label the tubes. The initial 1-2 cc should not be included for chromosome studies (but may be utilized for AFP testing). Ship at room temperature.
Click here for a Prenatal Cytogenetic Analysis Request Form

Blood Samples: All blood samples should be collected aseptically in sodium heparin tubes. Blood samples should be rotated thoroughly to ensure adequate mixing with the anticoagulant. For infants obtain approximately 2 cc and for adults obtain 5-7 cc. Ship at room temperature.
Click here for a Standard Cytogenetic Analysis Request Form

Bone Marrow Samples: Obtain 1-2 cc of bone marrow aspirate in a sodium heparin tube. Bone marrow samples should be rotated thoroughly to ensure adequate mixing with the anticoagulant. Ship at room temperature
Click here for a Oncology Cytogenetic Analysis Request Form

Chorionic Villi Samples: Collect 10-30mg of chorionic villi utilizing aspiration medium* containing sodium heparin. After assessment of the appropriate amount and quality of villi, transfer to a sterile centrifuge tube with transportation medium (the laboratory will supply aspiration medium and transport medium in separate sterile tubes, upon request)
Click here for a Prenatal Cytogenetic Analysis Request Form

Lymphatic Tissue Samples: Aseptically obtain a sample of approximately 2mm x 2mm x 2mm and deposit in tissue culture medium. Ship at room temperature
Click here for a Oncology Cytogenetic Analysis Request Form

Products of Conception: As aseptically as possible obtain tissue samples approximately 2mm x 2mm in size (recommended tissues for abortuses include skin, lung, and cartilage). Transfer the each sample to a separate sterile container (15ml conical centrifuge tube) containing tissue culture medium, which has been brought to room temperature (our laboratory will supply these materials upon request). DO NOT place the sample in cold or hot medium. To enhance the possibility of a successful cytogenetic study we recommend that at least two tissue types be sent in separate containers.
Click here for a Prenatal Cytogenetic Analysis Request Form

Skin Biopsy Samples: In an aseptic manner obtain a piece of skin approximately 2mm x 2mm, which is deep enough to ensure that the dermal layer is included. Deposit the specimen in a sterile container containing tissue culture medium with antibiotics which has been brought to room temperature. DO NOT immerse the sample in saline or fix in any preservative.

Solid Tumor Samples: Aseptically obtain a sample of approximately 2mm x 2mm x 2mm and deposit in tissue culture medium. Ship at room temperature
Click here for a Oncology Cytogenetic Analysis Request Form

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