Peripheral Blood
    For routine chromosome analysis, rapid chromosome analysis, fluorescence in-situ hybridization
    for microdeletion syndromes and telomere studies, submit 5cc for adults or children, submit
    2-3cc for infants in a sterile sodium heparin Vacutainer (72 U.S.P. for 5cc tube).   
    Lithium heparin is contraindicated.

RAPID CHROMOSOME ANALYSIS
    This test is offered as an adjunct to routine peripheral blood analysis and is set up from the same
    specimen.  Additional charges apply and the test is not performed unless indicated on the requisition.

MICRODELETION AND TELOMERE ANALYSIS
    It is required that routine chromosome analysis be performed in conjunction with fluorescence
    studies unless routine studies have already been analyzed.  Submission of one blood specimen is
    sufficient to run both routine and FISH studies.

Bone Marrow
    Submit 1-3cc bone marrow aspirate in a sterile tube containing UAMS Cytogenetics Transport Media. 
    A sterile sodium heparin tube may also be used.  Lithium heparin is contraindicated.

LEUKEMIC BLOOD
    For neoplastic studies submit 10cc of whole blood into a sodium heparin Vacutainer
    (143 U sodium heparin).  Leukemic blood must contain a minimum of 4% blast cells to grow in an
    unstimulated culture. 
    Lithium heparin is contraindicated.

FINE NEEDLE ASPIRATE
    Fine needle aspirate samples should be collected under sterile conditions and placed in UAMS
    Cytogenetic Transport Media.

PLEURAL EFFUSION AND ASCITES FLUID
    An optimum pleural effusion specimen is 50-75cc; a minimum specimen of 20cc is acceptable. 
    The specimen should be delivered in a sterile container to the Cytogenetics Laboratory within
    one hour after the thoracentesis.  Next day delivery is acceptable but less desirable. 

CEREBROSPINAL FLUID
    This is not a routine cytogenetics test; however, it may be done on special request. 
    Submit a minimum of 10cc of sterile CSF in a tube of UAMS Cytogenetics Transport Media and
    transport immediately to the Cytogenetics Laboratory. 

SOLID TISSUES
    Samples should be collected under sterile conditions and individual samples should each be placed
    in a sterile container of transport medium.  Each sample should be labeled as to tissue type.  
    Solid tissue specimens collected after hours should be taken to the Clinical Laboratory at UAMS
    and refrigerated until delivery to Cytogenetics.   Do not put on ice.

    From products of conception, fetuses, stillborns, or autopsy cases, to maximize the chances of
    successful growth in tissue culture, submit two or three of the following specimens:  skin, cartilage,
    amnion, chorion, peritoneum.

    To collect a skin specimen:  clean area with alcohol or betadine.  Using sterile tools, obtain a piece
    of skin at least 2 mm by 2 mm and deep enough to assure getting dividing cells. 
    Place immediately in sterile transport medium.      

SOLID TUMORS
    Samples should be collected under sterile conditions; individual samples should each be placed into
    UAMS Cytogenetic Transport Media or in a sterile container with saline.  If multiple samples are
    submitted each sample should be labeled as to tissue type or location.

LYMPH NODES
    Lymph nodes or soft tissue (tumors of lymphatic origin) should be collected under sterile conditions
    and placed into UAMS Cytogenetic Transport Media.