Products of Conception (POC) Aneuploid Evaluation, FISH Genetics

CVS samples: Specimen is collected in syringe (transabdominal) or catheter (transcervical) and transferred by flushing with the media from the sterile container back into it. After collecting the specimen, wash with sterile saline solution (NaCl 0.95%) containing sodium heparin (two to three drops of sodium heparin in 10 mL of saline). Carefully transfer the specimen, into the CVS transport tube, using a sterile Pasteur pipette or a sterile fine needle forceps. Be sure to fill transport tubes completely with media.

Amnio samples: Discard first 2 mL of fluid aspirated to avoid maternal cell contamination. Specimen is collected in a 20 mL sterile syringe and transferred aseptically to sterile tubes to be transported to Labcorp. Request form is completed and accompanies specimen and miscellaneous slip to the laboratory.

Fetal tissue samples: Aseptically obtain a small piece of tissue with subepidermal layers. Best results are obtained from placental villi, which remain viable much longer than fetal tissue. This is especially true in stillborn cases in which both cord blood and tissue samples are often not viable. If specimen is a product of conception, submit biopsies in a sterile tube with sterile Ringer's lactate, Hanks' basal salt solution or Labcorp transport medium.

All sample types: Transport to the testing laboratory at room temperature is acceptable. Do not allow the sample to over heat or freeze. Use a cool pack or Labcorp transport kit if necessary.

Maintain specimen at room temperature and transport to the cytogenetics laboratory immediately. Do not freeze. Refrigerate if sterility is questioned or if sample cannot be shipped within 24 hours.

Frozen or contaminated villi; maternal decidua received; frozen sample; absence of villi or fetal tissue; broken or stained slides; excessive cellular debris; low volume or quantity not sufficient for analysis