Specimen Collection Guide – Cells

Amniotic Fluid: 15 mL-20 mL of amniotic fluid in two sterile containers. Amniotic fluid should be taken with enough time to ensure receipt in the laboratory by 3pm.

CVS: At least 20-25 mg chorionic villi collected in a sterile container, containing Hank's Balanced Salt Solution (HBSS). CVS should be taken with enough time to ensure receipt in the laboratory by 10am.

Skin and POCs: Skin (0.5-1cm²), amnion (0.1-5cm²), cord (1cm³), or chorionic villi. Ship in a sterile container, containing Hank's Balanced Salt Solution (HBSS) (preferred) or sterile saline. As products of conception are prone to microbial contamination, it is important to remove and isolate the tissue for study as soon as possible. If fetal skin (preferred) is unavailable, then amnion, cord or chorionic villi is acceptable.

The specimen should be collected aseptically and placed in a sterile container, containing the appropriate medium where required. The specimen should be sent immediately to the laboratory. If unable to transport immediately, store at 4^oC and transport at room temperature (15-25^oC) within 24 hours.

Must prearrange with Cytogenetics for amniotic fluid and CVS samples. Contact Cytogenetics for aliquots of HBSS for CVS collection, 519-685-8500 ext. 78974 or 75714.

Note: All specimens should contain at least two patient identifiers and a completed requisition.

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