Pre-Analytic

Material and Preparation of Patients

For genetic examination nuclei-containing cells are required, which are either cultivated or from which DNA is extracted. Therefore, no special preparation of the patient is required, blood can be collected at any time of the day and should be sent directly to the laboratory at room temperature or slightly cooled (8-20 °C).

The extraction of blood should always be performed under sterile conditions. The tubes should always be filled up to the line showing the correct measure to guarantee an optimal mixing ratio between blood and anticoagulants. The blood sample should not be older than a week, please make sure that the blood sample is directly sent to the laboratory.

Cytogenetics and Molecular Cytogenetics:

5 ml sterile Heparin Blood please do not use heparin-coated beads in the sample tube since these beads absorb dividing-active lymphocytes, so that cultivation of peripheral lymphocytes will be inhibited in most of the cases. For fetal samples smaler amounts will suffice (1ml or less).
5 - 20 ml Amniotic Fluid
Chorionic Villi Sample (CVS)
Abortion Material and Skin Biopsies
Please do not subject tissue specimens to formalin or other fixatives. All solid tissue specimens should be as fresh as possible when sent to the laboratory. Please make also sure that the tissue specimen are not subjected to extreme temperatures.

Molecular Genetics Examinations:

5 - 10 ml EDTA Blood in cases were no EDTA blood is available diagnostic can be performed with heparin blood or citrate blood.
20 ml Amniotic Fluid
Chorionic Villi Sample (CVS)
Abortion Material
Skin Biopsies
Umbilical Cord Blood
Special Tissues upon agreement

Paternity Testing:

5 Buccal smears (infants)
5 - 10 ml EDTA Blood (adults)

Sample Identification and Request Sheet

For clear identification please label sample tubes either with barcodes or with the name and the date of birth of the patient.
Please use our laboratory request forms. A detailed medical record of the patient as well as family history will significantly support our experts in designing the diagnostic and for verification of the diagnosis.

Examinations which are not listed in our register can be performed in co-operation with other national and international laboratories. Please inquire.