Additional Testing Requirements

Due to its complexity, consultation with the laboratory is required for all prenatal testing; call 800-533-1710 to speak to a genetic counselor. 

All prenatal specimens must be accompanied by a maternal blood specimen. Order MATCC / Maternal Cell Contamination, Molecular Analysis, Varies on the maternal specimen.

Shipping Instructions

Advise Express Mail or equivalent if not on courier service.

Necessary Information

Hemophilia A Patient Information (T712) is required. Testing may proceed without the patient information, however, the information aids in providing a more thorough interpretation. Ordering providers are strongly encouraged to fill out the form and send with the specimen.

Specimen Required

Results will be reported and telephoned or faxed, if requested.

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

Specimen Type: Amniotic fluid

Container/Tube: Amniotic fluid container

Specimen Volume: 5-10 mL

Collection Instructions:

1. Optimal timing for specimen collection is during 14 to 18 weeks of gestation, but specimens collected at other weeks of gestation are also accepted.

2. Discard the first 2 mL of amniotic fluid. If the culture will be performed in conjunction with chromosome analysis and alpha-fetoprotein, a total of approximately 25 to 30 mL will be needed for the combined studies.

Specimen Stability Information: Ambient (preferred) <24 hours/Refrigerated

Additional Information:

1. Place the tubes in a Styrofoam container.

2. Fill remaining space with packing material.

3. Unavoidably, about 1% to 2% of mailed-in specimens are not viable.

4. Bloody specimens are undesirable.

5. If the specimen does not grow in culture, you will be notified within 7 days of receipt.

6. A separate culture charge will be assessed under CULAF / Culture for Genetic Testing, Amniotic Fluid.

7. All prenatal specimens must be accompanied by a maternal blood specimen; order MATCC / Maternal Cell Contamination, Molecular Analysis, Varies on the maternal specimen.

Specimen Type: Chorionic villi

Supplies: CVS Media (RPMI) and Small Dish (T095)

Container/Tube: 15-mL tube containing 15 mL of transport media

Specimen Volume: 20-30 mg

Collection Instructions:

1. Collect specimen by the transabdominal or transcervical method.

2. Transfer the chorionic villi specimen to a Petri dish containing transport medium.

3. Using a stereomicroscope and sterile forceps, assess the quality and quantity of the villi and remove any blood clots and maternal decidua.

Specimen Stability Information: Refrigerated (preferred) <24 hours/Ambient

Additional Information:

1. A separate culture charge will be assessed under CULFB / Fibroblast Culture for Biochemical or Molecular Testing. An additional 3 to 4 weeks is required to culture fibroblasts before genetic testing can occur.

2. All prenatal specimens must be accompanied by a maternal blood specimen; order MATCC / Maternal Cell Contamination, Molecular Analysis, Varies on the maternal specimen.

Specimen Type: Confluent cultured cells

Container/Tube: T-25 flask

Specimen Volume: 2 Flasks approximately 90% confluent

Collection Instructions: Submit confluent cultured cells from another laboratory.

Specimen Stability Information: Ambient (preferred) <24 hours/Refrigerated

Additional Information: All prenatal specimens must be accompanied by a maternal blood specimen; order MATCC / Maternal Cell Contamination, Molecular Analysis, Varies on the maternal specimen.