Molecular Genetics

Sample Requirements

Postnatal testing

• For routine DNA analysis, 5-10ml of blood in EDTA is required from each person

Neonatal testing

• If possible, 1-2ml of blood in EDTA should be collected, although the laboratory will accept smaller sample volume if collection is problematic.

NB: Blood tubes must bear the person’s name and date of birth and be accompanied by a completed Specimen Request form (link to Useful Documents).  Unlabelled blood tubes will not be accepted by the laboratory.  Where possible, blood samples should arrive in the laboratory within 4 days of sampling.

Saliva/buccal cell samples

• To maximise the yield of DNA, we recommend that saliva samples are collected using the Oragene DNA Self-Collection kit (DNA genotek).  Buccal cells from young children can be collected using this kit in conjunction with a special Saliva Collection for Young Children pack.

Please contact the laboratory and we would be happy to send out the appropriate kits.

Prenatal testing

• All requests for pre-natal testing should be arranged in consultation with a Clinical Genetics department. 
• Please contact the laboratory by phone or e-mail before sending samples for prenatal testing, to ensure that arrangements are in place to receive the samples.
• Samples out-with the hospital for prenatal testing should be sent by courier service.
• A maternal blood sample in EDTA should accompany the CVS/amniotic fluid sample to exclude maternal cell contamination.

Other samples