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HelpTest ID FIBR Fibroblast Culture
Useful For
A preliminary step in obtaining cultured cells for genetic testing
Additional Tests
| Test ID | Reporting Name | Available Separately | Always Performed |
|---|---|---|---|
| CRYOB | Cryopreserve for Biochem Studies | No | Yes |
Testing Algorithm
When this test is ordered, cryopreservation for biochemical studies will always be performed at an additional charge. However, for multiple assays on a patient utilizing the ordered fibroblast culture, only 1 culture is required regardless of the number of assays ordered. If viable cells are not obtained within 30 days, client will be notified. Mycoplasma screening will be performed on all successfully grown fibroblast cultures. If Mycoplasma is detected, all pending fibroblast clinical testing will be cancelled and the samples will be discarded.
Method Name
FIBR: Cultivated from Biopsy as Monolayer
CRYOB: Fibroblast Subculture Followed by Cryopreservation and Storage
Reporting Name
Fibroblast CultureSpecimen Type
TissueSubmit only 1 of the following specimens:
Specimen Type: Cultured fibroblasts
Container/Tube: T-75 or T-25 flask
Specimen Volume: 1 Full T-75 flask or 2 full T-25 flasks
Specimen Stability Information: Ambient/ Refrigerated
Additional Information:
1. Include patient clinical history with request. This information will be used for any testing performed on the cultured cells.
2. Indicate the tests to be performed on the fibroblast culture cells.
Specimen Type: Skin biopsy
Container/Tube: Sterile container with any standard cell culture media (eg, minimal essential media, RPMI 1640). The solution should be supplemented with 1% penicillin and streptomycin. Tubes of culture media can be supplied upon request (Eagle's minimum essential medium with 1% penicillin and streptomycin [T115]).
Specimen Volume: 4-mm punch
Specimen Stability Information: Refrigerated/Ambient
Specimen Minimum Volume
NA
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Tissue | Varies | |
Clinical Information
Cultures of skin fibroblasts are useful for specialized testing, which requires skin cells. These cells can be cultured and tested at Mayo Clinic or sent to external laboratories performing these specialized tests. In addition, cells are frozen for at least 3 years for potential future studies on cultured cells or for molecular genetic testing.
Reference Values
Not applicable
Cautions
Potential interfering factors:
-Lack of viable cells
-Bacterial contamination
-Failure to transport tissue in an appropriate media
-Excessive transport time
-Exposure of the specimen to temperature extremes (freezing or >30° C)
-Improper packaging may result in broken or leaky specimen containers or contamination of specimens during transport
Day(s) Performed
Varies
Report Available
40-45 days depending on rapidity of growthPerforming 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-Fibroblast culture
88240-Cryopreservation for biochemical studies