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Chromosome Analysis, Hematologic Specimens

Performing Laboratory

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

Specimen Requirements

Specimen Type: Bone Marrow, Blood, or Tissue Biopsy

Patient Preparation: None

Container/Tube        

Preferred:  

Bone Marrow or Blood: GreenNaHep Vacutainer®.

(DARK green-top no gel Sodium Heparin tube)

Acceptable: Bone Core Biopsies may be placed in a sterile, screw-capped container with sterile saline or RPMI if available
Collection Volume: 

Bone Marrow: 1-2 mL

Blood: 5.0-10.0 mL

Biopsy: 0.5-1 cm² (bone core; lymph node)

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

BM or Bld specimens collected in other than Dark green-top NaHep (no gel) tubes.

Mislabeled or unlabeled specimens.

Logistics

Test Availability:  Daily

Cut-off time: None

Days set up by performing lab: Monday-Friday

Turnaround Time: 14-21 Days

Reference Values

Reference Interval: Interpretive report will be provided

Critical Value: None established

Methodology

NA

Limitations

NA

Additional Information

FOR SLCH CORE LABORATORY USE ONLY

Lab Processing Instructions: 

DO NOT SPIN.

Transport Temperature: Ambient
Analyte Stability: 

NA

Maintain at room temp or refrigerate overnight if necessary

Note: 

Send the EPIC Cytogenetics order requisition with specimen.

Test Classification and CPT Code

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

88291, 88237, 88264, 88280

LOINC

NA

Last Reviewed

08/2025