This site is best viewed with a modern browser. You appear to be using an old version of Internet Explorer.

Cytogenetics specimen requirements

General Specimen requirements

All samples MUST be accompanied by a referral form
Haemato-oncology sample referral card

Blood samples – Chromosomes/Karyotype

LITHIUM HEPARIN tube

Adults 2-5mls, Children 1-2mls, Fetal/Neonates 0.5-1ml
Blood samples should arrive within 24 hours of collection
Fetal/Neotatal samples should arrive the same day

Blood samples – Arrays

EDTA tube

Adults 2-5mls, Children 1-2mls, Fetal/Neonates 0.5-1ml
Blood samples should arrive within 24 hours of collection
Fetal/Neotatal samples should arrive the same day

Amniotic Fluid samples

Sterile UNIVERSAL

10-20mls
Should arrive within 24 hours, room temperature

Chorionic Villis (CVS) samples

Transport Medium (supplied by the lab)

10-20mls, room temperature

Fetal Tissue samples/POC

Cord Blood – 0.5-1ml Paediatric LITHIUM HEPARIN
Placenta – 1 cubic cm, Transport medium
Skin Biopsy – full depth, Transport medium
Spleen/lung/other tissue – 1 cubic cm, Transport medium

Should arrive within 24 hours
Do NOT fix these tissues.

Skin biopsy sample (adult/child)

Transport Medium (supplied by the lab)

Skin punch 2 cubic cm
Should arrive within 24 hours

Bone Marrow

Transport Medium (supplied by the lab), if not available, LITHIUM HEPARIN tube

1ml
Should arrive within 24 hours - same day preferred

Lymph Node

Transport Medium (supplied by the lab)

1 cubic cm
Same day essential

Tumour

Transport Medium (supplied by the lab)

1 cubic cm
Same day essential

Fixed tissue slides

FFPE tissue sections mounted on slides need to be in a slide box and packaged with plenty of padding.
Suitable types of transport medium are supplied by the laboratory, on request
Delays in transit can result in sample failure or sub-optimal results
If necessary, specimens should be stored at 4 degrees (refrigerator temp) overnight or at the weekend for delivery as soon as possible the next day.