cytogenetic analysis

Principle:

Performing cytogenetic analysis on tissues such as tumors relies on being able to grow the cells in tissue culture in order to obtain dividing cells.  Consequently, the tissue cannot be fixed or frozen, and should be handled in such a way to avoid contamination with microorganisms.  Keep sterile.

Specimen:

Minimum specimen size is 2 mm3; more optimal is 1.0 cm3.  Do not mince the tissue!

Procedure:

1.    Identify the tissue which you wish to sample.

2.    Open a sterile 4 x 4 in such a way that the package may be used as a barrier between the gauze and the counter on which you are working.

3.    Place the tissue on the 4 x 4 and excise a piece/pieces using a sterile blade.

4.    Put the tissue in a conical centrifuge tube containing “Chromosome culture medium”.  Tubes can be found in the refrigerator of Room 1, and in the Hematology Lab refrigerator *.

5.    Label with patient name/reg #/date and what the preliminary diagnosis is.

6.    Deliver specimen and completed Cytogenetics requisition to Central Distribution as soon as possible.

Note:  Some specimens may arrive from the OR in separate containers directed to Cytogenetics.  These are presumably sterile, and if they are not needed for diagnosis, they should be forwarded to Cytogenetics as above.

*  Additional tubes are kept in Central Distribution.  Please contact the laboratory (#3-5805) if assistance with tubes is required.

KJT