Ordering Guidance

This test is only performed on specimens from pediatric patients being considered for enrollment in a Children's Oncology Group (COG) protocol. For all other patients, order CHRBM / Chromosome Analysis, Hematologic Disorders, Bone Marrow.

Shipping Instructions

Advise Express Mail or equivalent if not on courier service.

Necessary Information

1. A reason for referral, a flow cytometry and/or a bone marrow pathology report, and a Children's Oncology Group (COG) registration number and protocol number should be submitted with each specimen. The laboratory will not reject testing if this information is not provided, but appropriate testing and interpretation may be compromised or delayed.

2. If a child enrolled in the COG protocol has received an opposite sex bone marrow transplant prior to specimen collection, note this information on the request.

3. To ensure the best interpretation, it is important to provide some clinical information to verify the appropriate type of cytogenetic study is performed.

Specimen Required

Specimen Type: Bone marrow

Container/Tube:

Preferred: Yellow top (ACD)

Acceptable: Green top (sodium heparin) or lavender top (EDTA)

Specimen Volume: 4 mL

Collection Instructions:

1. It is preferable to send the first aspirate from the bone marrow collection.

2. Invert several times to mix bone marrow.