Solid Tissue

Fibroblast cultures may be used in addition to blood cultures, such as when tissue-specific mosaicism is suspected, or where blood samples cannot be obtained. Products of conception samples may be requested for early spontaneous miscarriages, stillbirths, or to confirm a prenatal diagnosis.

Samples

All specimens should be placed in a sterile container, preferably containing transport medium. This can be supplied by the laboratory. Sterile normal saline can be used if transport medium is not available. Samples must not be placed in formaldehyde or other preservative and must not be frozen. See sample stability section for cytogenetic samples.

Turnaround time

This is dependent on the rate of cell growth; however, the usual turnaround time is approximately 4 weeks.

Notes

• Material from miscarriages has a relatively high culture failure rate (around 20%). Where failure occurs, alternative molecular methods may be attempted, usually a KaryoLite Bacs-on- Beads assay that can detect whole monosomy or trisomy of any chromosome, if possible.
• If no villus or fetal parts are identified in supposedly products of conception material, and a normal female chromosome result is found, this may indicate that maternal tissue has been cultured (this will be noted on our report).
• Material from miscarriages can be returned for sensitive disposal if requested at the time of receipt. If no special request is made, fetal, placental and other products of conception material will be disposed of sensitively by incineration separate from general clinical waste.