Instructions for Shipping and Handling Specimens
Peripheral Whole Blood: 5-10 ml (adult), 2-5 ml (pediatric), minimum of 1 ml (newborns), in EDTA (lavender top) vacutainer tubes. Collect and transport immediately at room temperature. Transfusions of whole blood prior to peripheral blood collection may result in an inconclusive interpretation.
Sterile Amniotic Fluid (14-18 weeks gestation): Two (2) samples, 15-20 ml each, in sterile, securely capped plastic tubes. Collect and transport immediately at room temperature. Alternatively, cultured specimens (two T25 flasks) may be shipped for analysis. Flasks must be filled with media for shipment. Maternal cell contamination will make interpretation inconclusive.
Sterile CVS (9-12 weeks gestation): 20-30 mg total tissue in physiologic buffered saline (PBS) in sterile, securely capped plastic tube. Collect and transport immediately at room temperature. Alternatively, cultured specimens (two T25 flasks) may be shipped for analysis. Flasks must be filled with media for shipment. Maternal cell contamination will make interpretation inconclusive.
Buccal (Mouth) Swabs or Saliva Specimens: Please contact us for further information.
Specimen Identification: Please put full name and date of birth on each specimen as it is drawn.
Laboratory Approval: Please notify UCD DNA Diagnostic Laboratory Director prior to shipping all specimens. For analysis of other specimens (e.g., fibroblasts) or specimen volumes less than the minimum or specimens collected in blue, yellow or green tube tops, please obtain prior approval of the UCD DNA Diagnostic Laboratory Director. Clotted blood specimens (red top tubes) will not be accepted.
Shipping Preparation: Specimens must be accompanied by a completed DNA Analysis Request Form and a DNA Analysis Consent Form. Copies of medical records confirming diagnosis in affected individuals should accompany specimens.
Shipment of Specimens: Specimen should be received in the UCD DNA Diagnostic Lab within 48-72 hours of collection. Our laboratory is closed on Saturdays and Sundays. Specimens should be collected and shipped early in the week to avoid delivery on a weekend. Local couriers may be used to deliver specimens within the Denver metropolitan area. Specimens should be shipped and delivered to:
UCD DNA Diagnostic Laboratory
BLDG RC-1 North, Room P18-4404J
12800 East 19th Avenue
Aurora, CO 80045
If you have any further questions please contact us.
