Test ID: FIBR
Fibroblast Culture
Secondary ID 
A test code used for billing and in test definitions created prior to November 2011
NY State Approved Indicates the status of NY State approval and if the test is orderable for NY State clients.
Useful For Suggests clinical disorders or settings where the test may be helpful
A preliminary step in obtaining material for the diagnosis of many lysosomal storage disorders and other genetic abnormalities
Genetics Test Information Provides information that may help with selection of the correct test or proper submission of the test request
Fibroblast culture for biochemical genetic testing only. The Additional test(s) desired must be indicated on the request form that accompanies the specimen.
Additional Tests Lists test(s) that are always performed, at an additional charge, with the initial test(s)
| Test ID | Reporting Name | Available Separately | Always Performed |
|---|---|---|---|
| CRYOB | Cryopreserve for Biochem Studies | No | Yes |
Testing Algorithm Delineates situation(s) when tests are added to the initial order. This includes reflex and additional tests.
When this test is ordered, cryopreservation for biochemical studies will always be performed at an additional charge. However, for multiple lysosomal enzyme assays on a patient utilizing fibroblast culture, only 1 culture is required regardless of the number of enzyme assays ordered. If viable cells are not obtained within 30 days, client will be notified.
See Newborn Screening Follow-up for Isolated C5 Acylcarnitine Elevations (also applies to any plasma C5 acylcarnitine elevation) in Special Instructions.
Special Instructions and Forms Describes specimen collection and preparation information, test algorithms, and other information pertinent to test. Also includes pertinent information and consent forms to be used when requesting a particular test
Method Name A short description of the method used to perform the test
FIBR/8482: Cultivated from Biopsy as Monolayer
CRYOB/88832: Fibroblast Subculture Followed by Cryopreservation and Storage
Reporting Name A shorter/abbreviated version of the Published Name for a test; an abbreviated test name
Aliases Lists additional common names for a test, as an aid in searching
Specimen Type Describes the specimen type needed for testing
Specimen Required Defines the optimal specimen. This field describes the type of specimen required to perform the test and the preferred volume to complete testing. The volume allows automated processing, fastest throughput and, when indicated, repeat or reflex testing.
Forms: If not ordering electronically, submit a Biochemical Genetics Request Form (Supply T439) with the specimen.
Submit only 1 of the following specimens:
Specimen Type: Cultured fibroblasts
Container/Tube: T-75 or T-25 flask
Specimen Volume: 1 full T-75 flask or 2 full T-25 flasks
Specimen Stability Information: Refrigerated/Ambient
Additional Information:
1. Include patient clinical history with request. This information will be used for any testing performed on the cultured cells.
2. Indicate the tests to be performed on the fibroblast culture cells.
Specimen Type: Skin biopsy
Container/Tube: Sterile container with any standard cell culture media (eg, minimal essential media, RPMI 1640). The solution should be supplemented with 1% penicillin and streptomycin. Tubes can be supplied upon request (Eagle's minimum essential medium with 1% penicillin and streptomycin [Supply T115]).
Specimen Volume: 4-mm punch
Specimen Stability Information: Refrigerated/Ambient
Specimen Minimum Volume Defines the amount of specimen required to perform an assay once, including instrument and container dead space. Submitting the minimum specimen volume makes it impossible to repeat the test or perform confirmatory or perform reflex testing. In some situations, a minimum specimen volume may result in a QNS (quantity not sufficient) result, requiring a second specimen to be collected.
Reject Due To Identifies specimen types and conditions that may cause the specimen to be rejected
| Hemolysis | NA |
| Lipemia | NA |
| Icterus | NA |
| Other | Specimen in formalin or fixative preservative |
Specimen Stability Information Provides a description of the temperatures required to transport a specimen to the laboratory. Alternate acceptable temperature(s) are also included.
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Tissue | Varies | |
Clinical Information Discusses physiology, pathophysiology, and general clinical aspects, as they relate to a laboratory test
Cultures of skin fibroblasts may be helpful in diagnosing many of the lysosomal storage disorders such as the sphingolipidoses or mucopolysaccharidoses. In addition, numerous assays including those for genetic disorders of collagen, DNA repair, fatty acid oxidation, and pyruvate metabolism can be diagnosed using fibroblasts.
Cells from skin biopsies can be put in culture at Mayo Clinic and sent to laboratories involved in these specialized tests. Cells can also be frozen for future studies and DNA diagnostic procedures.
Reference Values Describes reference intervals and additional information for interpretation of test results. May include intervals based on age and sex when appropriate. Intervals are Mayo-derived, unless otherwise designated. If an interpretive report is provided, the reference value field will state this.
Not applicable
Interpretation Provides information to assist in interpretation of the test results
In the rare event that the biopsy fails to result in fibroblastic outgrowth, the client will be informed as soon as possible.
Both laboratory and clinical contacts are available to help with test selection
Cautions Discusses conditions that may cause diagnostic confusion, including improper specimen collection and handling, inappropriate test selection, and interfering substances
Interfering factors:
-Lack of viable cells or bacterial contamination
-Failure to transport tissue in an appropriate media
-Excessive transport time
-Exposure of the specimen to temperature extremes (freezing or >30 degrees C)
Clinical Reference Provides recommendations for further in-depth reading of a clinical nature
Paul J: Cell & Tissue Culture. 5th edition. New York, Churchill Livingstone, 1975
Method Description Describes how the test is performed and provides a method-specific reference
Submitted biopsy specimens are minced, placed in a culture flask with additional culture media supplemented with fetal calf serum, and incubated. When the fibroblasts have grown from the pieces of tissue (2-4 weeks), the cultures are expanded and then, if indicated, cryopreserved (CRYOB/88832 Cryopreservation for Biochemical Studies). If specific molecular or biochemical testing is concurrently ordered, cells will be harvested or prepared for indicated testing. Submitted cultured cells are examined for cell integrity and fed fresh media. Once grown to confluency, the cultures are expanded and then, if indicated, cryopreserved (CRYOB/88832 Cryopreservation for Biochemical Studies). If specific molecular or biochemical testing is concurrently ordered, cells will be harvested or prepared for indicated testing.
Day(s) and Time(s) Test Performed Outlines the days and times the test is performed. This field reflects the day and time the sample must be in the testing laboratory to begin the testing process and includes any specimen preparation and processing time required before the test is performed. Some tests are listed as continuously performed, which means assays are performed several times during the day.
Varies
Analytic Time Defines the amount of time it takes the laboratory to setup and perform the test. This is defined in number of days. The shortest interval of time expressed is "same day/1 day," which means the results may be available the same day that the sample is received in the testing laboratory. One day means results are available 1 day after the sample is received in the laboratory.
Maximum Laboratory Time Defines the maximum time from specimen receipt at Mayo Medical Laboratories until the release of the test result
Specimen Retention Time Outlines the length of time after testing that a specimen is kept in the laboratory before it is discarded
Performing Laboratory Location The location of the laboratory that performs the test
Test Classification Provides information regarding the medical device classification for laboratory test kits and reagents. Tests may be classified as cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and used per manufacturer's instructions, or as products that do not undergo full FDA review and approval, and are then labeled as an Analyte Specific Reagent (ASR), Investigation Use Only (IUO) product, or a Research Use Only (RUO) product.
CPT Code Information Provides guidance in determining the appropriate Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code(s) information for each test or profile. The listed CPT codes reflect Mayo Medical Laboratories interpretation of CPT coding requirements. It is the responsibility of each laboratory to determine correct CPT codes to use for billing.
88233-Fibroblast culture
88240-Cryopreservation for biochemical studies
LOINC® Code Information Provides guidance in determining the Logical Observation Identifiers Names and Codes (LOINC) values for the result codes returned for this test or profile.
| Result ID | Reporting Name | LOINC Code |
|---|---|---|
| 8482 | Fibroblast Culture | In Process |
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