Test ID: PAD    
Prenatal Aneuploidy Detection, FISH

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

Forms:

1. New York Clients-Informed consent is required. Please document on the request form or electronic order that a copy is on file. An Informed Consent for Genetic Testing (Supply T576) is available in Special Instructions.

2. If not ordering electronically, submit a Cytogenetics/AFP Congenital Disorders Request Form (Supply T238) with the specimen.

Advise Express Mail or equivalent if not on courier service.

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

Preferred:

Specimen Type: Amniotic fluid

Container/Tube: Amniotic fluid container

Specimen Volume: 20-25 mL

Collection Instructions:

1. Optimal timing for specimen collection is during 14 to 18 weeks of gestation, but specimens collected at other weeks of gestation are also accepted. Provide gestational age at the time of amniocentesis.

2. Discard the first 2 mL of amniotic fluid.

Additional Information:

1. Place the tubes in a Styrofoam container (Supply T329).

2. Fill remaining space with packing material.

3. Unavoidably, about 1% to 2% of mailed-in specimens are not viable.

4. Bloody specimens are undesirable.

5. If the specimen does not grow in culture, you will be notified within 7 days of receipt.

6. Results will be reported and also telephoned or faxed, if requested.

Acceptable:

Specimen Type: Chorionic villi

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 chorionic villi 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.