Ordering Guidance

This test should be ordered if the specimen is chorionic villi or products of conception, or if cytogenetic testing is requested.

If the specimen is a tissue biopsy and no cytogenetic testing is needed, order FIBR / Fibroblast Culture, Tissue as these specimens are used for all other genetic testing and are cryopreserved for a minimum of 3 years once testing is complete.

Shipping Instructions

Advise Express Mail or equivalent if not on courier service

Necessary Information

Provide a reason for referral with each specimen. The laboratory will not reject testing if this information is not provided, but appropriate testing and interpretation may be compromised or delayed.

The additional tests desired must be indicated on the request form that accompanies the specimen.

Specimen Required

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

Specimen Type: Autopsy

Supplies: Hank's Solution (T132)

Container/Tube: Sterile container with sterile Hank's balanced salt solution, Ringer's solution, or normal saline

Specimen Volume: 4-mm diameter

Collection Instructions:

1. Wash biopsy site with an antiseptic soap.

2. Thoroughly rinse area with sterile water.

3. Do not use alcohol or iodine preparations.

4. Biopsy specimens are best taken by punch biopsy to include full thickness of dermis.

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 Type: Products of conception or stillbirth

Supplies: Hank's Solution (T132)

Container/Tube: Sterile container with sterile Hank's balanced salt solution, Ringer's solution, or normal saline

Specimen Volume: 1 cm(3) of placenta (including 20 mg of chorionic villi) and a 1 cm(3) biopsy specimen of muscle/fascia from the thigh

Collection Instructions: If a fetus cannot be specifically identified, collect 50 mg villus material or tissue that appears to be of fetal origin.

Additional Information: Do not send entire fetus.

Specimen Type: Skin biopsy

Supplies: Hank's Solution (T132)

Container/Tube: Sterile container with sterile Hank's balanced salt solution, Ringer's solution, or normal saline

Specimen Volume: 4-mm diameter

Collection Instructions:

1. Wash biopsy site with an antiseptic soap.

2. Thoroughly rinse area with sterile water.

3. Do not use alcohol or iodine preparations.

4. A local anesthetic may be used.

5. Biopsy specimens are best taken by punch biopsy to include full thickness of dermis.