Ordering Guidance

This test is not appropriate for affected patients (probands) undergoing whole exome sequencing (WES). This test is intended to be ordered for biological family member comparator specimens only. For WES testing for the proband, order WESDX / Whole Exome Sequencing for Hereditary Disorders, Varies. If this test is ordered on a proband, the test will be canceled and WESDX will be performed as the appropriate test.

If this test is ordered on a family member comparator of a proband having WGSDX / Whole Genome Sequencing for Hereditary Disorders, Varies, this test will be canceled and CMPRG / Family Member Comparator Specimen for Genome Sequencing, Varies performed as the appropriate test.

Each specimen must be on a separate order.

Additional Testing Requirements

To order whole exome testing for the patient and the family member comparator specimens, see the following steps:

1. Order WESDX / Whole Exome Sequencing for Hereditary Disorders, Varies on the patient (proband).

2. Order this test on all family members' specimens being submitted as comparators.

a. When available, the patient's biological mother and biological father are the preferred family member comparators.

b. If one or both of the patient's biological parents are not available for testing, specimens from other first-degree relatives (siblings or children) can be used as comparators. Contact the laboratory at 800-533-1710 for approval to send specimens from other relatives.

c. The cost of analysis for family member comparator specimens is applied to the patient's (proband's) test. Family members will not be charged separately.

3. Collect patient (proband) and family member specimens. Label specimens with full name and birthdate. Do not label family members' specimens with the proband's name.

4. Complete the signature sections of the Informed Consent (required for New York State clients) portion of Whole Exome Sequencing: Ordering Checklist.

5. If the patient wishes to opt-out of receiving secondary findings or change the DNA storage selection, select the appropriate boxes in the Informed Consent section.

6. Attach clinic notes from specialists relevant to patient's clinical features, if available.

7. Attach pedigree, if available.

8. Send paperwork to the laboratory along with the specimens. If not sent with the specimen, fax a copy of the paperwork to 507-284-1759, Attn: WES Genetic Counselors.

For more information see Whole Exome and Genome Sequencing Information and Test Ordering Guide.

Shipping Instructions

Specimen preferred to arrive within 96 hours of collection.

Necessary Information

Whole Exome Sequencing: Ordering Checklist is required. Fill out one form for the family and send with the specimens. A separate form is not needed for each family member.

Specimen Required

Patient Preparation: A previous bone marrow transplant from an allogenic donor will interfere with testing. Call 800-533-1710 for instructions for testing patients who have received a bone marrow transplant.

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

Specimen Type: Whole blood

Container/Tube:

Preferred: Lavender top (EDTA) or yellow top (ACD)

Acceptable: Any anticoagulant

Specimen Volume: 3 mL

Collection Instructions:

1. Invert several times to mix blood.

2. Send whole blood specimen in original tube. Do not aliquot.

Specimen Stability Information: Ambient (preferred)/Refrigerated

Specimen Type: Skin biopsy

Supplies: Fibroblast Biopsy Transport Media (T115)

Container/Tube: Sterile container with any standard cell culture media (eg, minimal essential media, RPMI 1640). The solution should be supplemented with 1% penicillin and streptomycin.

Specimen Volume: 4-mm punch

Specimen Stability Information: Refrigerated (preferred)/Ambient

Additional Information: A separate culture charge will be assessed under CULFB / Fibroblast Culture for Biochemical or Molecular Testing. An additional 3 to 4 weeks is required to culture fibroblasts before genetic testing can occur.

Specimen Type: Cultured fibroblasts

Container/Tube: T-25 flask

Specimen Volume: 2 Flasks

Collection Instructions: Submit confluent cultured fibroblast cells from a skin biopsy. Cultured cells from a prenatal specimen will not be accepted.

Specimen Stability Information: Ambient (preferred)/Refrigerated (<24 hours)

Additional Information: A separate culture charge will be assessed under CULFB / Fibroblast Culture for Biochemical or Molecular Testing. An additional 3 to 4 weeks is required to culture fibroblasts before genetic testing can occur.

Specimen Type: Blood spot

Supplies: Card-Blood Spot Collection (Filter Paper) (T493)

Container/Tube:

Preferred: Collection card (Whatman Protein Saver 903 Paper)

Acceptable: PerkinElmer 226 (formerly Ahlstrom 226) filter paper, or blood spot collection card

Specimen Volume: 5 Blood spots

Collection Instructions:

1. An alternative blood collection option for a patient older than 1 year is a fingerstick. For detailed instructions, see How to Collect Dried Blood Spot Samples.

2. Let blood dry on the filter paper at ambient temperature in a horizontal position for a minimum of 3 hours.

3. Do not expose specimen to heat or direct sunlight.

4. Do not stack wet specimens.

5. Keep specimen dry.

Specimen Stability Information: Ambient (preferred)/Refrigerated

Additional Information:

1. Due to lower concentration of DNA yielded from blood spot, it is possible that additional specimen may be required to complete testing.

2. For collection instructions, see Blood Spot Collection Instructions.

3. For collection instructions in Spanish, see Blood Spot Collection Card-Spanish Instructions (T777).

4. For collection instructions in Chinese, see Blood Spot Collection Card-Chinese Instructions (T800).

Specimen Type: Saliva

Patient Preparation: Patient should not eat, drink, smoke, or chew gum 30 minutes prior to collection.

Supplies: Saliva Swab Collection Kit (T786)

Specimen Volume: 1 Swab

Collection Instructions: Collect and send specimen per kit instructions.

Specimen Stability Information: Ambient 30 days

Additional Information: Due to lower concentration of DNA yielded from saliva, it is possible that additional specimen may be required to complete testing.