Cytogenetics and Molecular Testing

Contacting the Cytogenetics and Molecular Laboratory

• Lab hours are 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday.

• Weekends/evenings/holidays: Page hospital pager 5255. Repage within 30 minutes if no response.

Instructions for Collecting Specimens

• All specimens should arrive in the lab within 24 hours after collection accompanied by a completed C-12 cytogenetics request form and any other insurance information necessary for billing purposes.

• Keep specimens at room temperature. Do not refrigerate, freeze, or centrifuge!

• Label the specimen container with patient's name and medical record number.

• AMNIOTIC FLUID: Send in two sterile 15cc tubes (available from laboratory). We require at least 7-10cc of fluid in each tube. If you would like us to send fluid for AFP testing, we require the completed State Hygienic Request form. Aseptically collect specimen according to your protocol. Wrap parafilm horizontally around closed tube lid for a "double" seal.



• BLOOD: requires 5-10cc of blood for adult patients and a minimum of 2cc for children. Obtain a venous blood specimen in a green-topped, sodium heparin Vacutainer^®. Invert the tube to mix well. If the appropriate Vacutainer^® is not available, please contact lab for alternative instructions.



• BONE MARROW: requires 3cc of aspirate. After collection of aspirate, place aspirate in bone marrow media tubes available from our lab or use a green-topped, sodium heparin Vacutainer^®. Invert tube to mix well.



• TISSUES: Aseptically collect specimen according to your protocol. For products of conception cases, skin, diaphragm or chorionic villi is preferred. For all other cases, skin and/or diaphragm is preferred. For fetal demise cases, do NOT send the entire fetus. After collection, place specimen in tissue media tubes available from the lab. Alternatively, place tissue in a sterile container and add enough media or lactated ringers to cover the tissue.


VOIDED URINE/BLADDER WASH (for bladder carcinoma): Perform urine collection (greater than or equal to 33 mL) using a sterile collection cup. Specimens should be transported to the Cytogenetics and Molecular Lab within 2 hours of collection. If this is not possible, call the lab for further instructions.


• DNA studies for Fragile X are no longer performed in the Cytogenetics and Molecular Lab. Samples should be drawn in a purple top tube and sent to the Molecular Genetics Laboratory in 6 BT (319-384-9568).

• Within University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics: deliver specimens to the lab between 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday, tube station 113. After 5:00 p.m., take specimens to Specimen Control, 6240 RCP.



• Outside of UI Hospitals and Clinics: Weekday Delivery-Call the lab and notify them that you are sending a specimen. Send specimen via an overnight courier service to the Cytogenetics and Molecular Lab (address on reverse). Give the lab the airbill/tracking number if available. Weekend Delivery-Notify the lab that you are sending a specimen. The lab will need the patient name, physician's name, phone number, type of specimen, arrival date, and tracking number. Please make sure to mark the airbill for Saturday delivery. Mark the outside of the package with the words "Deliver Saturday." Address the airbill to Specimen Control, 6240 RCP, Attn: Cytogenetics and Molecular Lab, UI Hospitals and Clinics, W-101 GH, 200 Hawkins Dr., Iowa City, IA 52242.