Request Cards
For a supply of request cards please contact the DNA laboratory. Request cards can also be printed after downloading the document below:
Download: Standard DNA analysis request card (pdf)
Consent
All genetic testing requires patient consent. Provision of a clinical sample and a signed referral card implies consent has been obtained by the referring clinician. This includes DNA storage and DNA testing for diseases indicated on referral card. Where specific tests are not carried out in this laboratory it may be necessary to forward the sample to a different laboratory for testing.
Referral of samples
Blood samples (preferred sample sizes are 5-10ml for adults, 2-5ml for children and 1-2ml for infants) should be collected in EDTA tubes. For other types of sample please contact the laboratory.
For diseases where both Cytogenetic analysis and DNA analysis may be carried out (eg. Fragile X, Prader Willi syndrome and Angelman syndrome) a sample in EDTA is required for DNA analysis and a separate Lithium Heparin is required for cytogenetic analysis (see cytogenetic website for details).
Clotted blood in unsuitable for analysis.
If further testing is required on a sample already stored in the laboratory please request this in writing either by fax or post.
Sample Labelling
In line with Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust policy the minimum identifiers required on a sample tube for sample acceptance are:
· - Full Name (forename and surname)
· - One other unique identifier (Date of Birth/Unit No./NHS No.)
Tube labels should be handwritten (addressograph labels must not be used) and a fully completed referral card including the identifiers that appear on the sample tube must accompany the sample.
Referral Information
In order for a sample to be analysed and reported, we require the following MINIMUM information to be provided in the referral:
· Patient Forename
· Patient Surname
· NHS Number
· 1st Line of Patient Address
· Patient Postcode
· Patient Date of Birth
· GP name (surname and first initial)
· GP Facility (including postcode)
· Referrer Name (surname and first initial) if not the same as GP
· Referrer Facility
· Hospital Number (if applicable)
· Disease to be tested
The collection of this information is essential and it is the responsibility of the referrer to provide it.
Please note: For non-NHS referrals (private or referrals from outside the UK), it is not necessary to provide the NHS number and GP name/address.
We will NOT perform testing on samples that are referred with incomplete information. Seriously mislabelled samples may be discarded. Other samples will have DNA extracted and stored until missing information is received. This will obviously have a significant impact on the length of time taken to receive test results.
Packaging instructions
Please send samples directly to the laboratory. If necessary most samples can be refrigerated at +4 degree Celsius for a few days without affecting quality. In general samples should not be frozen, however if this is necessary, please discuss this with the laboratory in advance - it will be necessary to send a frozen sample by same day delivery on dry ice.
All clinical specimens, blood and other samples, are potential biohazards and must be packaged to comply with the current regulations on the transport and postage of biological materials. For further details see: http://www.hse.gov.uk/biosafety/biologagents.pdf . Samples should be packaged in a way as to maintain patient confidentiality and prevent leakage and/or contamination to couriers and porters.
Where samples are known to pose a specific high risk (eg. HIV, Hepatitis B/C) the nature of the risk must be clearly marked on the referral card. The sample tube should clearly labelled (for example with danger of infection tape) to indicate its high risk nature. The laboratory is not currently able to process such samples. However, where the clinical need is indicated arrangements can be made to forward such samples to other laboratories for DNA extraction. Please contact the laboratory with any queries regarding the appropriateness of sending any potentially high risk samples.
Please note:
The quality of extracted DNA will be affected if collected in the wrong containers, stored at extreme temperatures or delayed in transit. This may result in the failure of the test.
The interpretation of results depends on the diagnosis of affected individuals, identification of samples and biological relationships of the individuals being correct.