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.Questions?

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

Detroit, MI
Tel/fax (313) 579-9650

Genesis Genetics Europe
Nottingham UK
+115-822-6169