Ordering Guidance

This test does not detect balanced chromosome rearrangements, such as Robertsonian or other reciprocal translocations, inversions, or balanced insertions.

If a formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded specimen is submitted, the test will be canceled and CMAMT / Chromosomal Microarray, Autopsy/Products of Conception/Stillbirth, Tissue will be added and performed as the appropriate test.

For answers to frequently asked questions and more information, see Pregnancy loss on MayoClinicLabs.com.

Additional Testing Requirements

A maternal blood sample is requested when ordering this test (see PPAP / Parental Sample Prep for Prenatal Microarray Testing). Testing will not be rejected if maternal blood is not received; however, the possibility of maternal cell contamination cannot be excluded. The PPAP test must be ordered under a different order number than the prenatal specimen.

A paternal blood sample is desired but not required, see PPAP / Parental Sample Prep for Prenatal Microarray Testing, Blood.

If additional molecular genetic or biochemical genetic testing is needed, order CULAF / Culture for Genetic Testing, Amniotic Fluid or CULFB / Fibroblast Culture for Biochemical or Molecular Testing, Chorionic Villi/Products of Conception/Tissue so that cultures may be set up specifically for use in these tests.

Shipping Instructions

Advise Express Mail or equivalent if not on courier service.

Necessary Information

1. 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.

2. Notify the laboratory if the pregnancy involves an egg donor or gestational carrier.

Specimen Required

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

Specimen Type: Products of conception or stillbirth

Supplies: Hank's Solution (T132)

Container/Tube: Sterile container with sterile Hank's solution, Ringer's solution, or normal saline

Specimen Volume: 1 cm(3) of placenta (including 50-mg chorionic villi) and 1 cm(3) biopsy specimen of muscle/fascia from the thigh

Collection Instructions:

1. Attempt to identify and send only fetal tissue for analysis.

2. If a fetus cannot be specifically identified, collect 50-mg villus material or tissue that appears to be of fetal origin.

3. If multiple specimen types are sent, send each specimen in a separate container. Multiple specimens received (eg, placenta and fetal thigh) will be ordered under 1 test. All specimens will be processed separately.

Additional Information:

1. Do not send entire fetus.

2. While fresher specimens prepared as described above are preferred, we can attempt analysis on specimens that have been in less-than-ideal conditions.

Specimen Type: Autopsy

Supplies: Hank's Solution (T132)

Container/Tube: Sterile container with sterile Hank's solution, Ringer's solution, or normal saline

Specimen Volume: 1 cm(3) biopsy specimen of muscle/fascia from the thigh

Collection Instructions:

1. Wash biopsy site with an antiseptic soap.

2. Thoroughly rinse area with sterile water.

3. Do not use alcohol or iodine preparations.

4. Biopsy specimens are best taken by punch biopsy to include full thickness of dermis.

Specimen Type: Amniotic fluid

Container/Tube: Amniotic fluid container

Specimen Volume: 20 to 30 mL

Collection Instructions:

1. Optimal timing for specimen collection is during 14 to 18 weeks of gestation, but specimens collected at other weeks of gestation are also accepted. Provide gestational age at the time of amniocentesis.

2. Discard the first 2 mL of amniotic fluid.

Additional Information:

1. Unavoidably, about 1% to 2% of mailed-in specimens are not viable.

2. Bloody specimens are undesirable.

3. Results will be reported and telephoned or faxed if requested.

Specimen Type: Chorionic villus

Supplies: CVS Media (RPMI) and Small Dish (T095)

Container/Tube: 15-mL tube containing 15 mL of transport media

Specimen Volume: 50 mg

Collection Instructions:

1. Collect chorionic villus specimen (CVS) by transabdominal or transcervical method.

2. Transfer CVS to a Petri dish containing transport medium (such as CVS Media [RPMI] and Small Dish).

3. Using a stereomicroscope and sterile forceps, assess the quality and quantity of villi and remove any blood clots and maternal decidua.

Acceptable

Specimen Type: Cultured cells

Container/Tube: T25 flasks with culture media

Specimen Volume: 2 T25 flasks

Specimen Type: Tissue

Supplies: Hank's Solution (T132)

Container/Tube: In sterile Hank's solution