Specimen Collections

• All tissues (Products of Conception, Tumors, Lymph nodes)
  - Collect sample in sterile tissue transport media or sterile saline
• Classic Cytogenetics
  - Green Top / Sodium Heparin
• Molecular Genetics, Molecular Cytogenetics
  - Purple Top EDTA, Yellow ACD
  - Green Top ( If cytogenetics, molecular, and flow cytometry are ordered on a single specimen )
• Flow Cytometry
  - Purple Top EDTA, Yellow ACD

Amniotic Fluid

Amniotic Fluid: 15-30 ml (less if early amniocentesis)

Temperature : Room temperature. During warm weather include cool pack to keep cool.

Special Notes: Protect from light. Maintain sterility. Do not centrifuge. Do not freeze. Ship in styrofoam container.
Should be shipped to arrive within 24 hours of collection for optimal results.

Bone Marrow

Bone Marrow: 2-3 cc

Tube/Medium: 95% Na Heparin (green top) Tube(s)
**DO NOT USE Lithium Heparin Tubes (confusing since it is also a green top).

Temperature: Room temperature. During warm weather include cool pack to keep cool.

Special Notes:  Do not centrifuge.  Do not freeze. Ship in styrofoam container.
Should be shipped to arrive within 24 hours of collection for optimal results.

Peripheral Blood

Peripheral Blood:

Adult: 5-10 cc

Child: 2-5 cc (less for neonate)

Percutaneous Umbilical Blood: 1-2 cc

Tube/Medium: 95% Na Heparin (green top) Tube(s)
**DO NOT USE Lithium Heparin Tubes (confusing since it is also a green top).

Temperature: Room temperature. During warm weather include cool pack to keep cool.

Special Notes: Do not centrifuge. Do not freeze. Ship in styrofoam container.
Should be shipped to arrive within 24 hours of collection for optimal results.

Products of Conception (POC)

Tissue: 3-4 mm biopsy or 50-100 mg of each tissue (include chorionic villi whenever possible)

Tube/Medium: Container of RPMI.

Temperature: Room temperature. During warm weather include cool pack to keep cool.

Special Notes: Do not centrifuge. Do not freeze. Ship in styrofoam container.
Should be shipped to arrive within 24 hours of collection for optimal results.
Do not place in formalin!

Solid Tumor

Solid Tumor:  (submit the largest piece clinically possible)

Tube/Medium: Container of RPMI.

Temperature: Room temperature. During warm weather include cool pack to keep cool.

Special Notes: Do not centrifuge. Do not freeze.
Ship in styrofoam container.
Should be shipped to arrive within 24 hours of collection for optimal results.
Do not place in formalin!

Tissue Biopsy

Tissue: 3-4 mm biopsy or 50-100 mg of each tissue

Tube/Medium: Container of RPMI.

Temperature: Room temperature. During warm weather include cool pack to keep cool.

Special Notes:  Do not centrifuge. Do not freeze.  Ship in a styrofoam container.
Should be shipped to arrive within 24 hours of collection for optimal results.
Do not place in formalin!

Concentrated Cell Pellet

Cell Pellet: RNA specimen

Tube/Medium: Sterile screw-top polypropylene tube.

Temperature: Frozen

Special Notes:  Ship in styrofoam container with a minimum of 5 lbs of dry ice.
Ship to deliver overnight!

SCROLLS / SLIDES / BLOCKS

Scrolls: 10 - 15 segments

Slides: 3 - 4 touch prep slides

Blocks: 1 or more as diagnostically necessary

Tube/Medium:  Scrolls in screw-top tube. Slides in slide holder. Blocks in zip-lock bag.

Temperature:  Room temperature. During warm weather include cool pack to keep cool when shipping blocks and scrolls.

Special Notes:
Ship in protective container to avoid accidental breakage.
Ship in styrofoam container when including cool pack.

URINE

Tube/Medium: Urine Specimen Collection Container

Temperature: Room Temp.

Special Notes:  Room temperature. During warm weather include cool pack to keep cool when shipping.
Ship to deliver overnight!