For specimens collected at an outside institution and sent to University of Iowa Health Care for processing and interpretation:

How to send a Bone Marrow Requiring Processing:
1. Complete the Comprehensive Hematopathology Analysis Requisition.

• Include patient data and history. Questions about completing the requisition can be directed to: University of Iowa Diagnostic Laboratories (UIDL) at 319-384-7212 or toll free at 866-844-2522.

2. Specimens

• Slides: Submit unfixed, air dried preparations of the bone marrow aspirate. Make touch preparations from the biopsy before fixation of the biopsy specimen.



• Peripheral Blood: Submit a peripheral smear and recent CBC data.



• Wet Tissue: Submit the core biopsy and clot in 10% Neutral Buffered Formalin (10cc vials). Label with the patient’s name, ID number, date collected and tissue source. The smears and formalin vials must be sealed in separate bags during shipping to prevent slide fixation.



• Additional aspirates of the bone marrow may be sent for Flow Cytometry.



• If cytogenetic evaluation is needed, send 2-3 ml in Sodium Heparin. Requisitions are available from the Cytogenetics Laboratory. All questions for cytogenetics should be directed to the Cytogenetics Laboratory at 319-356-3877.

3. Specimen Transport

• UI Diagnostic Laboratories can usually provide for specimen transport either through our own courier services or through other transportation providers such as overnight carriers. If you need assistance or information in transporting specimens to our laboratories, please contact UIDL Client Services and a representative will provide assistance in determining the most appropriate shipping arrangement.



• 319-384-7212 (local)
• 1-866-844-2522 (toll free)



• Shipping address:
• University of Iowa Healthcare
• UI Diagnostic Laboratories
• 200 Hawkins Drive, Room 5231 RCP
• Iowa City, IA 52242-1087


Cases with liquid bone marrow sample must be sent to arrive within 24 hours.

4. Results will be faxed upon completion and a copy of the report will be sent. Slides and blocks will be retained by University of Iowa Health Care.


Consultation on Processed Specimens:

1. 1. Complete the Anatomic Pathology Consult Requisition. Include patient data and history.



2. 2. Submit prepared smears and sections. Include blocks and unstained bone marrow smears if possible.



3. 3. Results will be faxed upon completion. The slides, blocks and copy of the report will be returned.