Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS)

Required sample material

Leukaemia diagnostics - classical cytogenetics:
5-7 ml bone marrow aspirate (NH4 or Na heparin) no Li heparin or EDTA blood
NH4 heparinate 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).

Leukaemia diagnostics - molecular cytogenetics:
3-4 ml bone marrow aspirate (NH4 or Na heparin) no Li heparin or EDTA blood
NH4 heparinate 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).

Sample dispatch

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

The sample transport time is of great importance. The samples should therefore be sent to us uncooled by express mail so that they arrive in our laboratory no later than 12.00 noon on the day after collection. As our laboratory cannot be reached by post at weekends, the samples should be sent in such a way that they are safely in our hands on Friday, even allowing for delays.

Please send the samples to the following address:

Heidelberg University Hospital
Institute of Human Genetics
Cytogenetic Laboratory
Im Neuenheimer Feld 366
69120 Heidelberg

Sample labelling

Please label each sample container clearly with the surname, first name and date of birth of the patient 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 examination order.

Please fill in 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

Test method:
Both cytogenetic and molecular cytogenetic tests are indicated, depending on the problem.

Literature:
Atlas of Genetics and Cytogenetics in Oncology and Haematology

Processing time:
Cytogenetic examination: 2-3 weeks
Molecular cytogenetic examination: 1-2 weeks after receipt of order

Contact persons