Blood requirements

Exceptions

Blood is not accepted if the patient has ever received an allogeneic bone marrow/stem cell transplant. For patients who pursue genetic testing, DNA from cultured fibroblasts is the required specimen type. GeneDx can provide a punch biopsy kit and can culture fibroblasts on site, as needed.

Kits

Complimentary blood kits are available for US and Canadian clients. To order kits, please visit our request supplies page or email support@genedx.com. 

Volume

One EDTA (lavender top) tube containing 2-5 mL whole sterile blood. Several tests usually can be performed on one 3 mL blood specimen. 3-5 mL is the preferred volume for adults but 1-2 mL is acceptable for infants.

Labeling

Label with the patient name plus a second identifier such as date of birth, specimen ID or medical record number. If Cord Blood, state so on both the tube and the paperwork.

Stability

Can be refrigerated up to 7 days before shipping. Blood specimens older than 7 days can still be shipped; they will be tested if the yield and quality of DNA permit.

Rejection

Blood specimens will be rejected if frozen, hemolyzed or clotted.

Shipping

Ideal handling is to ship immediately at ambient temperature for overnight delivery with arrival Monday-Saturday. Specimens can be refrigerated for 7 days before shipping. In hot weather a cool pack can be enclosed.

Ship to
GeneDx, 207 Perry Parkway, Gaithersburg MD 20877
Phone: 1-301-519-2100