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HelpTest Code CULAF Culture for Genetic Testing, Amniotic Fluid
Useful For
Producing amniocyte cultures that can be used for genetic analysis
Method Name
Cell Culture
Reporting Name
Amniotic Fluid Culture/Genetic TestSpecimen Type
Amniotic FldShipping Instructions
Advise Express Mail or equivalent if not on courier service.
Necessary Information
Provide a reason for testing 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.
The additional tests desired must be indicated on the request form that accompanies the specimen.
Specimen Required
Optimal timing for specimen collection is during 14 to 18 weeks of gestation, but specimens collected at other weeks of gestation are also accepted.
Container/Tube: Amniotic fluid container
Specimen Volume: 5 to 10 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Discard the first 2 mL of amniotic fluid. If the culture will be performed in conjunction with other cytogenetic testing, such as CHRAF / Chromosome Analysis, Amniotic Fluid or CMAP / Chromosomal Microarray, Prenatal, Amniotic Fluid/Chorionic Villus Sampling, a total of 25 to 30 mL will be needed.
4. Unavoidably, about 1% to 2% of mailed-in specimens are not viable.
5. Bloody specimens are undesirable.
Specimen Minimum Volume
5 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amniotic Fld | Refrigerated (preferred) | ||
| Ambient | |||
Reject Due To
All specimens will be evaluated at Mayo Clinic Laboratories for test suitability.Clinical Information
Fetal cells obtained by amniocentesis (amniocytes) are used for a wide range of laboratory tests. Prior to testing, the cells may need to be cultured to obtain adequate numbers of amniocytes.
Reference Values
Not applicable
Clinical Reference
Arsham MS, Barch MJ, Lawce HJ, eds. The AGT Cytogenetics Laboratory Manual. 4th ed. Wiley-Blackwell; 2017
Method Description
The specimen is split into 8 to 10 separate culture dishes. The cells are grown on coverslips in culture media for 4 to 10 days. The cultures are trypsinized into 2 to 3 T25 tissue culture flasks or 1 to 2 T75 tissue culture flasks.(Arsham MS, Barch MJ, Lawce HJ, eds. The AGT Cytogenetics Laboratory Manual. 4th ed. Wiley-Blackwell; 2017:175-178)
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Friday
Report Available
23 to 24 daysSpecimen Retention Time
Cell cultures: 6 months; Any remaining supernatant or whole fluid aliquots: 14 days after results reported.Performing Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Test Classification
Not ApplicableCPT Code Information
88235
88240
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| CULAF | Amniotic Fluid Culture/Genetic Test | 103593-0 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| 52304 | Result Summary | 50397-9 |
| 52306 | Interpretation | 69965-2 |
| 52305 | Result | 82939-0 |
| CG767 | Reason for Referral | 42349-1 |
| 52307 | Specimen | 31208-2 |
| 52308 | Source | 31208-2 |
| 52309 | Method | 85069-3 |
| 54641 | Additional Information | 48767-8 |
| 52310 | Released By | 18771-6 |
Secondary ID
35244Testing Algorithm
This processing test is for culturing amniocytes for prenatal genetic testing.
Once confluent flasks are established, the amniocyte cultures are sent to other laboratories, either within Mayo Clinic or to external sites, based on the specific testing requested.
Cautions
Interfering factors:
-Inadequate amount of specimen may not permit adequate analysis
-Exposure of the specimen to temperature extremes (freezing or >30° C) may destroy 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