Information for Medical Professionals

Sending a Specimen

We encourage you to contact us at any time with questions or concerns while preparing blood samples, preparing for blastomere biopsy or during the biopsy.

Remember, this is quite different from analysis for chromosomes, where DNA contamination is not a problem. Here, contamination can cause a misdiagnosis. If you even think you have contaminated a tube, please mark it so we can double-check. The biopsy technique used at your IVF center should be evaluated to assure that a result can be obtained and contamination is not introduced into the specimen. Before sending your first case, schedule a sample trial that we can analyze. We will provide feedback and suggestions for improved technique when indicated.

The method of entering the zona pelucida has not been shown to affect the analysis, slit, acid Tyrodes, or laser are all acceptable. It is important to visually confirm that an intact blastomer has been placed into the lyses buffer. If the blastomer is disrupted during biopsy, wash or transfer into lyses buffer a second blastomer should be biopsied, placed in a separate tube and labeled (as a second cell). The embryo should be marked as possibly contaminated.

Whenever you have a question or concern, do not hesitate to contact Genesis Genetics so

Biopsy Tips

• One specimen tube open at a time.
• Avoid carry-over of lyses buffer to next cell. If cell lyses, change pipet tips and biopsy a second cell in a separate tube labeled accordingly.
• Only biopsy good-grade embryos. Poor-grade embryos are of no value.
• Do not use oil.
• No stage warmer.
• Limit the number of embryos biopsied at one time to 5 to prevent evaporation of placement droplet and wash droplet.
• Limit the transfer of media into wash droplet.
• Freezing the sample tubes in an upright orientation holds the DNA in a set position through shipping for accurate DNA isolation.

Shipping Tips

• Check tube labels are readable before packing tubes.
• Include original informed consent forms (yours and ours).
• Include embryo biopsy worksheet.
• Keep a supply of cold shipping packets and Styrofoam containers that come with reagents.
• Avoid dry ice.
• The day before biopsy, request courier pickup an hour after expected completion time.
• Fax biopsy data worksheet ahead of shipment.
• Attach airline security letter on your letterhead to outside of box.

DISCLAIMER

The information contained in this website is provided for educational purposes only. It is not intended, in any way, to be or substitute for medical advice or medical care from a physician or other licensed healthcare professional. The reader should consult a physician regarding health matters and particularly with respect to symptoms that may require diagnosis or medical attention. Information contained in this website or any electronic links are subject to limitations on the accuracy, reliability and suitability of Internet-accessible information, requiring that readers verify this information through independent sources when using it or making decisions based on it and the fact that accessibility of documents, programs, information and any other material through this site does not imply suitability or endorsement for any purpose by any parties and changes that occur since the last update which may affect the accuracy and availability of the information presented.

Questions?

Regardless of how mundane you think the question might be, please call us:

Detroit, MI
Tel/fax (313) 544-4006

Genesis Genetics Europe
Nottingham UK
+115-822-6169