Cell Culture for Genetic/ Molecular testing [UWMC Cytogenetics and Genomics]

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General Information

Lab Name
Lab Code
599
Description

Live cells (skin biopsy, amniotic fluid, chorionic villi, fetal tissue, products of conception) obtained for constitutional genetic testing are routed to the UWMC - Montlake DLMP Cytogenetic and Genomics Laboratories for cell culture. The cell culture is then sent elsewhere for specific molecular genetic testing.

A UWMC - Montlake DLMP Cytogenetics test request form must be submitted with quantity and type of cell culture specified (e.g. “two T25 flasks of cultured amniocytes”) as well as the appropriate test request form for the lab where the cell cultures will be sent.

EPIC Ordering:

  • Test Name: Grow Cells
  • Order Code: LABGROWCELLS
  • For orders submitted electronically via Epic, a separate requisition form is not required.
Forms & Requisitions

Cytogenetics Constitutional Test Request Form

Synonyms
Bone marrow transplant patient, Cell culture, Cultured amniocytes, Fibroblast culture, Grow cells, LABGROWCELLS, Skin biopsy
Components

Interpretation

Reference Range

Ordering & Collection

Specimen Type
Skin Biopsy, Amniotic Fluid, Chorionic Villi, Products of Conception, Fetal Tissue, Other live cells for culture
Collection

Amniotic Fluid:

  • Collect 15-30 mL of fluid obtained under sterile conditions into Corning tissue culture tubes or tubes from a Baxter amniocentesis tray kit. Discard the first 1 mL of fluid or use for af-AFP testing.

Chorionic Villi:

  • Collect up to 40 mg chorionic villi in a sterile flask or tube with sterile tissue culture media (supplied by the lab - call 206.598.4488).

Skin biopsies, Products of conception, Fetal tissue:

  • For products of conception, send villi when identifiable. Keep refrigerated. If material is small or unidentifiable, send entire sample. For fetal tissue, send fascia lata, lung, or kidney when possible. Use separate containers and label with contents.
  • Obtain sample under sterile conditions and place in transport media containing antibiotics (e.g. Alpha-MEM media, RPMI). Transport media can be supplied by the lab; call 206.598.4488 to request.
  • If transport media is not available, the following media are acceptable alternatives if shipping time will not exceed 24 hours: lactated Ringer's solution, viral transport medium, or sterile saline.
  • DO NOT USE formaldehyde, formalin, alcohol, or 5% dextrose, or tissue culture medium buffered with bicarbonate.
Forms & Requisitions

Cytogenetics Constitutional Test Request Form

Handling Instructions

Outside Laboratories:

  • Maintain and transport samples at ambient temperature unless otherwise indicated in the Collection section.
  • Sample collection kits are available upon request. Kits include sample collection tubes, transport media (when required), a biohazard bag with absorbent material, a test requisition, and FedEx shipping materials. Contact the lab at 206.598.4488 to request a kit.
  • A completed request form must accompany all orders.
  • Specimens are accepted 24 hrs/day, 7 days/week.
  • Ship to:
    • Cytogenetics and Genomics Laboratory
      University of Washington Medical Center, Room NW-125
      1959 NE Pacific Street
      Seattle, WA 98195-6100
Quantity
Requested: Varies; refer to Collection information.
Minimum: Varies; refer to Collection information.

Processing

Receiving Instructions

Call Cytogenetics Laboratory at 206.598.4489 for pick up. Cytogenetics is staffed on weekends to process specimens.

  • If no answer or after hours, call 206.598.4488 to leave message.

While samples are in SPS:

  • Amniotic Fluid, Chorionic Villi, Other live cells for culture: Hold at Room Temperature.
  • Skin Biopsy, Products of Conception, and Fetal Tissue: Store Refrigerated.
Misc Sendout

Performance

Lab Department
Frequency
Available STAT?
No
Performing Location(s)
Pathology Cytogenetics Laboratory
206-598-4488
Other Locations/Notes

Cytogenetics and Genomics Laboratory

University of Washington Medical Center, Room NW-125
1959 NE Pacific Street
Seattle, WA 98195-6100

  • Ph: (206) 598-4488
  • Fax: (206) 598-2610
  • Email: cytogene@uw.edu

Billing & Coding

Billing Comments

CPTs:

Amniotic Fluid and Chorionic Villi: 88235

Skin Biopsy, Products of Conception, and Fetal Tissue: 88233