Sign in →

Chromosome Microarray (CMA) Analysis

Performing Laboratory

St. Louis Children's Hospital Sendout to Cytogenetics and Molecular Pathology Laboratory at WashU

Specimen Requirements

Specimen Type: Blood

Patient Preparation: None

Container/Tube        BOTH EDTA AND SODIUM HEPARIN SAMPLES ARE REQUIRED

Preferred:  

GreenNaHep Vacutainer®. (DARK green-top no gel Sodium Heparin tube)

AND

Lavender-top (EDTA) Vacutainer®.


Acceptable: 
Collection Volume: 

Infants: 1.0-2.0 mL

Children: 3.0-5.0 mL

Adults: 5.0-10.0  mL

(whole blood in each tube required)

Special Instructions: 

Immediately invert tubes gently 8-10 times after collection to ensure proper mixing of blood and anticoagulant (this will avoid specimen clotting). Forward promptly at ambient temperature only.

Send the EPIC Cytogenetics order requisition that prints when order released with specimen.

Sample Rejection

Clotted specimens

Specimens collected in gel tubes.

Mislabeled or unlabeled specimens.

Logistics

Test Availability:  Monday-Friday

Cut-off time: None

Days set up by performing lab: Monday-Friday

Turnaround Time: 21-28 Days

Reference Values

Reference Interval: Interpretive report will be provided

Critical Value: None established

Methodology

Affymetrix Cyto Scan HD assay with genomic DNA extraction to detect small gains and losses across the entire genome.

Limitations

NA

Additional Information

FOR SLCH CORE LABORATORY USE ONLY

Lab Processing Instructions: 

DO NOT SPIN.

Maintain at room temperature or refrigerate if sample cannot be delivered within 24 hours


Transport Temperature: Ambient
Analyte Stability: 

Ambient: NA

Refrigerated: NA

Frozen: Not acceptable

Note: 

Send the EPIC Cytogenetics order requisition with specimen.

Store specimens received over weekend in refrigerator. Samples should not be more then 48 hours old.

If there are any questions about sample storage/volume, call WU cytogenetics lab at 314-454-8101.

Test Classification and CPT Code

EPIC: Cytogenetics Panel (then select specimen type and answer questions for correct order set)

81229

LOINC

NA

Last Reviewed

08/2025