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HelpTest ID CULFB Fibroblast Culture for Genetic Testing
Useful For
Producing fibroblast cultures that can be used for genetic analysis
Once confluent flasks are established, the fibroblast cultures are sent to other laboratories, either within Mayo Clinic or to external sites, based on the specific testing requested.
Special Instructions
Method Name
Cell Culture
Reporting Name
Fibroblast Culture for Genetic TestSpecimen Type
TissueProvide a reason for referral with each specimen. The laboratory will not reject testing if this information is not provided, but appropriate testing and interpretation may be compromised or delayed.
Advise Express Mail or equivalent if not on courier service.
Submit only 1 of the following specimens:
Specimen Type: Autopsy
Container/Tube: Sterile container with sterile Hank's balanced salt solution (Supply T132), Ringer's solution, or normal saline
Specimen Volume: 4-mm diameter
Collection Instructions:
1. Wash biopsy site with an antiseptic soap.
2. Thoroughly rinse area with sterile water.
3. Do not use alcohol or iodine preparations.
4. Biopsy specimens are best taken by punch biopsy to include full thickness of dermis.
Specimen Type: Chorionic villi
Container/Tube: 15-mL tube containing 15 mL of transport media
Specimen Volume: 20-30 mg
Collection Instructions:
1. Collect specimen by the transabdominal or transcervical method.
2. Transfer the chorionic villi specimen to a Petri dish containing transport medium (Supply T095).
3. Using a stereomicroscope and sterile forceps, assess the quality and quantity of the villi and remove any blood clots and maternal decidua.
Specimen Type: Products of conception or stillbirth
Container/Tube: Sterile container with sterile Hank's balanced salt solution (Supply T132), Ringer's solution, or normal saline
Specimen Volume: 1 cm(3) of placenta (including 20 mg of chorionic villi) and a 1 cm(3) biopsy specimen of muscle/fascia from the thigh
Collection Instructions: If a fetus cannot be specifically identified, collect 50 mg villus material or tissue that appears to be of fetal origin.
Additional Information: Do not send entire fetus.
Forms: Final Disposition of Fetal/Stillborn Remains form (if fetal specimen is sent) in Special Instructions.
Specimen Type: Skin biopsy
Container/Tube: Sterile container with sterile Hank's balanced salt solution (Supply T132), Ringer's solution, or normal saline
Specimen Volume: 4-mm diameter
Collection Instructions:
1. Wash biopsy site with an antiseptic soap.
2. Thoroughly rinse area with sterile water.
3. Do not use alcohol or iodine preparations.
4. A local anesthetic may be used.
5. Biopsy specimens are best taken by punch biopsy to include full thickness of dermis.
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Tissue | Refrigerated (preferred) | |
| Ambient | ||
Clinical Information
Fibroblast cells may be used to perform a wide range of laboratory tests. Prior to testing, the tissue may need to be cultured to obtain adequate numbers of cells.
Cautions
Prior to obtaining chorionic villus specimens (CVS) for specific cytogenetic testing, it is crucial to identify a laboratory that will perform testing for the disorder in question and establish that they will perform the study on cultured fibroblasts.
Including clinical information provided with the specimen is very useful. This allows the laboratory to identify and verify the correct testing to perform.
Interfering factors:
-Inadequate amount of specimen may not permit adequate analysis
-Exposure of the specimen to temperature extremes (freezing or > 30° C) may kill cells and interfere with attempts to culture cells
-Improper packaging may result in broken, leaky, and contaminated specimens during transport
-Transport time should not exceed 2 days
-Contamination by maternal cells may interfere with attempts to culture cells and may cause interpretive problems
Day(s) Performed
Samples processed Monday through Sunday. Results reported Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. CST.
Report Available
41 daysPerforming Laboratory
Mayo Medical Laboratories in Rochester
Test Classification
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. This test has not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.CPT Code Information
88233
88240