Specimen Requirements

Please provide a reason for referral with each specimen. Laboratory will not delay or reject testing if this information is not provided, but appropriate testing and interpretation may be compromised.

Amniotic Fluid

Optimum timing for specimen collection is during 16th to 18th weeks of gestation, but specimens collected at other weeks of gestation are also accepted. Collect 20 mL to 25 mL (minimum volume:  10 mL) of amniotic fluid in a sterile syringe (we strongly recommend Pharmaseal amniocentesis tray distributed by Cardinal Health Company). Discard the first 2 mL of amniotic fluid, and send remainder to laboratory. When using a Pharmaseal Amniocentesis Kit, transfer amniotic fluid into provided transport containers. If Pharmaseal amniocentesis tray is not available, use a Becton-Dickinson syringe; and transport specimen as follows. Remove needle and transfer specimen to 2 screw-capped, sterile, 15-mL centrifuge tubes. Place tubes in a Styrofoam® container. Fill remaining space with packing material. Unavoidably, about 1% to 2% of mailed-in specimens are not viable. Bloody specimen is undesirable. If specimen does not grow in culture, you will be notified within 7 days of receipt. Label container with patient’s name. Do not add fixative. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature. Do not refrigerate. Specimen cannot be frozen.

Note:  A completed “Cytogenetic/Molecular Genetics Requisition” is required for this test. Forward form with the specimen. (Form is available from RMH Referrals Department at 614-566-3715.)