Multiple myeloma (MM)

Required sample material

3-4 ml NH4-Heparin bone marrow aspirate
NH4-Heparinat S monovettes (Sarstedt REF 01.1603) or disposable syringes with approx. 20 to max. 200 µl heparin sodium (5000 I.U./ml) (final concentration 10 to max.100 I.U. heparin/ml sample material). Please do not send Li heparin or EDTA blood!

Note: Please only send bone marrow aspirate. Bone marrow smear preparations are unsuitable (see info).

Sending samples

Heparin bone marrow aspirate for molecular cytogenetic analyses should be sent unrefrigerated by express mail. The sample transport time is of great importance, as cell cultures almost always have to be created. The test material should reach the laboratory within 24 hours.

Please send the samples to the sorting laboratory:

Molecular Biology Laboratory (Dr Stefanie Huhn)
Medizinische Klinik V
Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg
Im Neuenheimer Feld 410 (Pforte)
69120 Heidelberg

Sample labelling

Please label each sample container clearly and legibly with the patient's surname, first name and date of birth and use our request forms.

The request forms are structured in such a way that we have all the necessary information about the patient and the patient consent form (where required) for the test order.

Please complete the request forms carefully to avoid unnecessary enquiries and please understand that we cannot accept unlabelled sample containers.

Leukaemia and lymphoproliferative diseases request form

Further information

Literature: Atlas of Genetics and Cytogenetics in Oncology and Haematology
and PMID 16001433

Examination method:
Molecular cytogenetic examination, cytogenetic examination possible

Note on molecular cytogenetic analysis:
Due to the fluctuating percentage of myeloma cells in the total number of bone marrow mononuclear cells, molecular cytogenetic analysis is performed exclusively on sorted, CD138-positive plasma cells.
For MACS sorting, we only require bone marrow aspirate (10 ml); bone marrow smear preparations are unsuitable.

Processing time:
4-6 weeks

Contact person