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Test Code LAB1804 Fibroblast Culture

Important Note

Cells are not routinely frozen and stored as part of the culture request.  If storage of frozen cell pellets is needed, please indicate this additional request using the order questions in Epic. 

Clinical System Name

Fibroblast Culture Only

Synonyms

Skin Fibroblast Culture

Tissue Fibroblast Culture

Description

Solid tissues may be cultured in order to establish long term single cell cultures and frozen for storage in anticipation of future enzyme testing, DNA extraction, or to rule out constitutional chromosome abnormalities.  Tissues of choice include skin, products of conception (including fetal, placental, or membrane tissue) or any other tissues with the ability to grow in culture (unacceptable sample would include brain and muscle tissues).

 

If storage of cells is requested, cell pellets will be stored frozen for up to 10 years, however, ability to regrow diminishes after several years.

Sample Requirements

Specimen: Tissue

Container(s): Cell Marker/Cytogenetics Transport Media (RPMI with fetal calf serum & antibiotics), Fibroblast Transport Media, Hank's Balanced Salt Solution or sterile saline

Preferred Vol:  2.0 - 4.0 mm punch biopsy 

Minimum Vol:  2.0 mm punch

 

Note:  Obtain Cell Marker/Cytogenetics Transport Media from Histo Lab (x72580).  Check tube for expiration date. Specify skin biopsy site. Test request must be completed by the ordering provider. Patient history information is required.  Keep sample sterile and at room temperature or refrigerated; do not freeze.

  • CPA: transport media is stored in Histology fridge #2.  Media is pink in 15 mL tubes with blue screw cap. Check expiration date.  Back-up supply in Cell Markers Lab.
  • SCH Regional Labs: transport media stored in lab fridge.

Samples received after 3 pm will be set up the following day.  Samples must be set-up ASAP, plan collection & shipping accordingly.  Samples that are fixed in formalin or formaldehyde will not be accepted. 

Processing Instructions

Reject due to: n/a - send to lab

Spin: N

Aliquot: N

Temp: RT

Storage location:  Process sample without delay.  Days: Transport specimen, requistion, and labels to 4th floor (station #181). Eves/Nights: Store in Molecular Genetics box in CPA refrigerator #2 with labels & requisitions.  DO NOT FREEZE.

 

Off-site collection:  Obtain Cell Marker/Cytogenetics Transport Media from Lab (206-987-2102). Keep sample sterile. Store and transport sample refrigerated - do not freeze.

Stability

Temperature Time
Room temp Shipping ok
Refrigerated Overnight ok
Frozen No

 

Availability

STAT Performed TAT
N Daily 6 weeks

 

Performing Laboratory

Seattle Children's Hospital

Department

Department: Cytogenetics Laboratory 

Phone number: 206-987-3961

 

Lab Client Services: 206-987-2617, labclientservices@seattlechildrens.org

 

Lab Genetic Counselors: LabGC@seattlechildrens.org

 

 

CPT Codes

88233, 88240

Methodology

Method: Tissue culture

Requisition

Molecular Genetics & Cytogenetics Requisition