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| Email: | mml@mayo.edu |
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Producing fibroblast cultures that can be used for genetic analysis
Once confluent flasks are established, the fibroblast cultures are sent to
other laboratories, either within Mayo Clinic or to external sites, based on
the specific testing requested.
This test should be used when the specimen is chorionic villi or when
cytogenetic testing is needed. For other specimen types and any other
genetic testing, we recommend ordering #8482 "Fibroblast Culture," as
these specimens are cryopreserved indefinitely once testing is complete.
Fibroblast cells may be used to perform a wide range of laboratory tests.
Prior to testing, the tissue may need to be cultured to obtain adequate
numbers of cells.
N/A
Prior to obtaining chorionic villus specimens (CVS) for specific cytogenetic
testing, it is crucial to identify a laboratory that will perform testing for the
disorder in question and establish that they will perform the study on
cultured CVS or fibroblasts.
Including clinical information provided with the specimen is very useful.
This allows the laboratory to identify and verify the correct testing to
perform.
Interfering factors
Technical:
- Inadequate amount of specimen (we recommend 20 mg of chorionic villi)
may not permit adequate analysis
- Exposure of the specimen to temperature extremes (freezing or
>30 degrees C)
- Improper packaging may result in broken, leaky, and contaminated
specimens during transport
- Extended transport time
- In products of conception (POC)/autopsy/stillbirth specimens, a lack of
viable cells or bacterial contamination (this occurs in approximately 20%
of spontaneously aborted products of conception), or a long delay
between fetal death and the miscarriage
Biological:
-It is difficult to differentiate between maternal and fetal cells in some
specimens. Culturing of maternal cells rather than fetal cells can cause
discrepant results.
Spurbeck JL, Carlson RO, Allen JE, Dewald GW: Culturing and robotic
harvesting of bone marrow, lymph nodes, peripheral blood, fibroblasts,
and solid tumors with in situ techniques. Cancer Genet
Cytogenet 1988;32:59-66