Culture for Genetic Testing, Amniotic Fluid (CULAF)

Test Code: AFCGTSO

Overview
Ordering
Specimen
Performing
Clinical/Interpretive
Contacts
Coding

Synonyms/Keywords

Amniotic Fluid Culture for Genetic Testing; Cell culture, Amniotic fluid; Culture for Genetic Testing, Amniotic Fluid; Genetic Testing Culture, Amniotic Fluid; Saving cells for possible genetic testing; Amniotic Fluid Culture/Genetic Test (CULAF)

Useful For

Producing amniocyte cultures that can be used for genetic analysis

Specimen Requirements

Fasting Required	Specimen Type	Preferred Container/Tube	Acceptable Container/Tube	Specimen Volume	Specimen Minimum Volume (allows for 1 repeat)	Pediatric Minimum Volume (no repeat)
No	Amniotic Fluid	Sterile Amniotic Fluid Container		10 mL	5 mL

Collection Processing Instructions

Provide a reason for referral and gestational age 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.

Optimal timing for specimen collection is during 14 to 18 weeks of gestation, but specimens collected at other weeks of gestation are also accepted.

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.

2. Place the tubes in a Styrofoam container.

3. Fill remaining space with packing material.

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

5. Bloody specimens are undesirable.

The additional tests desired must be indicated on the request form that accompanies the specimen.

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type	Temperature
Amniotic Fluid	Refrigerated (preferred)
Amniotic Fluid	Ambient

Rejection Criteria

All specimens will be evaluated at Mayo Clinic Laboratories for test suitability.

Interference

Interfering factors:

-Inadequate amount of specimen may not permit adequate analysis

-Exposure of the specimen to temperature extremes (freezing or > 30 degrees 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

Performing Laboratory Information

Performing Location	Day(s) Test Performed	Report Available	Methodology/Instrumentation
Mayo Clinic Laboratories	Monday through Friday	23 to 24 days	Cell Culture

Reference Lab

Mayo Clinic Laboratories

Test Information

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.

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.

Outreach CPTs

CPT	Modifier (if needed)	Quantity	Description	Comments
88235		1	Tissue culture for amniotic fluid
88240		1	Cryopreservation