To ensure fast and efficient processing of your samples, it is important that patient specimens are collected and stored correctly and correctly labelled.
To avoid potential-mix-ups of patient samples, the specimen (primary container) must be labelled unambiguously and the labels must match the corresponding forms!
Please make sure that important sample information (e. g. hepatitis, HIV) is provided on the primary sample container and on the accompanying forms!
Sample material must not be frozen to avoid hemolysis!
Please include the following completed documents and information with your specimen:
- Request form tumor Genetics
- Request form Clinical Genetics + patient’s declaration of consent according to GenDG (overleaf)
- Suspected diagnoses, (family) medical history, etc.
Your request must contain the following information:
– surname, first name, date of birth and sex of the patient
– requested diagnostic tests (exact wording)
– details of the requesting physician or organization
Important notes:
According to the RKI and WHO, it is recommended that any clinical specimen should be labelled as UN3373 and packaged and shipped according to standard P650.
This means:
1. waterproof primary container (preferably collection vial)
2. waterproof secondary packaging with sufficient absorbent material (so that in case of leakage of the sample liquid, the outer packaging is not compromised).
3. outer packaging of P650 standard provided with UN3373 marking.
We accept samples at the following times:
– Monday – Thursday: 07.30 – 17.00
– Friday: 07.30 – 16.00
Instructions for sample collection for molecular genetic diagnostics
| Sample material | Quantity | Anticoagulant | Storage/ shipping |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peripheral whole blood | 1-5 ml | EDTA (preferred), Heparin, citrate | Room temperature |
| Chorionic villus biopsy | 10-20 mg | None | Material in sterile vessel with sterile medium or sterile physiolog. NaCl solution, room temperature, immediate shipping |
| Busccal swab | – | None | Room temperature |
Instructions for sample collection for cytogenetic diagnostics
| Sample material | Quantity | Anticoagulant | Storage / shipping |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peripheral whole blood | 1-5 ml | Heparin | Room temperature |
| Bone marrow aspirate | 5 ml | Heparin | Room temperature |
| Amniotic fluid | 15 – 20 ml | None | Room temperature |
| Abortion material (Placental tissue/-villi, curettage material, skin biopsy) | – | None (no fixatives e.g. formalin) | Material in sterile vessel with sterile medium or sterile physiolog. NaCl solution, room temperature, immediate shipping |
| Buccal swab | – | None | Room temperature |
All important information on preanalytics and sample shipment can be found in our information guide (PDF download):