Samples for analysis must be treated as follows:
BIOPSIES
Store the tissue samples in 1ml of sterile physiological solution at +4°C.
DNA
DNA must be extracted either by the use of an extraction kit or by means of the “classic” phenol-chloroform method. Minimum quantity 2ug. Send along with details of the spectrophotometric quantisation.
SPUTUM/SALIVA/BRONCHOVESICULAR FLUID/GASTRIC JUICES
Store the material, in liquid form as well, in a sterile container at +4°C for no more than 24 hours after collection.
FAECES
Send the fresh sample within 12 hours, store at +4°C.
AMNIOTIC FLUID/CHORIONIC VILLI
Collect as much material as possible (at least 10ml of amniotic fluid and 20mg of chorionic villi), store at +4°C for molecular tests and at room temperature for cytogenetic tests. Send within 24 hours.
SEMEN
Collect in a sterile container and send within 24 hours. Store at +4°C. Please contact the laboratory for further information on how to collect sample depending on type of examation to be carried out.
BLOOD + EDTA
Store at +4°C and send within 48 hours. Fasting is not required before sample.
BLOOD + HEPARIN
For cytogenetic exams the sample must be maintained at room temperature until pick-up. It should be dispatched as soon as possible within 24 hours. Use only heparin sodium. For molecular testing,
store at +4°CVAGINAL SECRETION/URETHRAL SECRETION
Use sterile swabs placed in a test tube without padding or physiological solution. Store at +4°C for not more than 24 hours.
SERUM Centrifuge the blood at 3,000rpm for 15 minutes. Collect the serum and store at +4°C. Send as soon as possible for exams of molecular infectivology.
URINE
Collect urine in the morning in a sterile container and store at +4°C for no more than 12 hours.
While dealing with samples always use sterile containers, gloves and single-use pipettes.
NON-INVASIVE SAMPLES
Some types of analysis can be carried out by haematic spot and/or oral swab to meet the requirements of certain patients, for example, children, who might be unwilling to undergo invasive sampling. Please contact the laboratory for further information.
