Frequently Asked Questions About FSHD, Prenatal Testing

Required Information:
1. Identify what week of pregnancy the specimen was collected and whether Amniotic Fluid (AF) or Chorionic
    Villus (CV) was collected - the week of collection is as important.
2. Indicate whether you want the UI cytogenetics laboratory to culture the cells or some other lab.
3. Indicate when the specimen is being collected.
4. Include the FSHD test result for the affected parent if available
5. Send maternal and paternal blood for maternal cell contamination and/or additional FSHD testing.

FAQs:
Q: Will UI Diagnostic Laboratories accept cultures from another laboratory?
A: Yes. Please send cultured cells directly to:

UI Diagnostic Laboratories
200 Hawkins Drive 5231 RCP
Iowa City IA 52242

Q: Will you accept cells cultured from a Chorionic Villus (CV) or Amniotic Fluid (AF) specimen?
A: Yes, we will accept both. Please note that the time from specimen collection to FSHD result is approximately
     5-7 weeks.

Q: How many cultured cells does the lab need for testing?
A: Six T25 flasks.

Q: Where do I send the specimens?
A: Please send all blood and fetal specimens or fetal cultures for the case directly to:

UI Diagnostic Laboratories
200 Hawkins Drive 5231 RCP
Iowa City IA 52242

Q: Do you need the Mother's blood?
A: Yes, to rule out maternal cell contamination.

Q: Do you need the affected parent's blood?
A: Yes, we will test it side by side the prenatal specimen.

Q: Do you need the prior test results of the affected parent?
A: Yes, it will help us to decide whether the affected parent's specimen will need to be tested with the fetal
     specimen.

Q: Is the turnaround time the same with a known site?
A: Yes, the same method is used whether the site deletion is known or unknown.

Print the Prenatal FSHD Testing Requisition for detailed test information.

For additional assistance with specimen packaging and shipping, please call UIDL Client Services 1-866-844-2522.

If additional technical/clinical test information is needed, please contact: Dr. Aaron Bossler, Molecular Laboratory Director, at 319-384-9566.

University of Iowa Diagnostic Laboratories (UIDL)