Home
HelpTest Code CULAF Culture for Genetic Testing, Amniotic Fluid
Useful For
Producing amniocyte cultures that can be used for genetic analysis
Reporting Name
Amniotic Fluid Culture/Genetic TestSpecimen Type
Amniotic FldShipping Instructions
Advise Express Mail or equivalent if not on courier service.
Necessary Information
Provide a reason for testing 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.
The additional tests desired must be indicated on the request form that accompanies the specimen.
Specimen Required
Optimal timing for specimen collection is during 14 to 18 weeks of gestation, but specimens collected at other weeks of gestation are also accepted.
Container/Tube: Amniotic fluid container
Specimen Volume: 5 to 10 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Discard the first 2 mL of amniotic fluid. If the culture will be performed in conjunction with other cytogenetic testing, such as CHRAF / Chromosome Analysis, Amniotic Fluid or CMAP / Chromosomal Microarray, Prenatal, Amniotic Fluid/Chorionic Villus Sampling, a total of 25 to 30 mL will be needed.
4. Unavoidably, about 1% to 2% of mailed-in specimens are not viable.
5. Bloody specimens are undesirable.
Specimen Minimum Volume
5 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amniotic Fld | Refrigerated (preferred) | ||
| Ambient | |||
Reject Due To
All specimens will be evaluated at Mayo Clinic Laboratories for test suitability.Reference Values
Not applicable
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Friday
Report Available
23 to 24 daysSpecimen Retention Time
Cell cultures: 6 months; Any remaining supernatant or whole fluid aliquots: 14 days after results reported.Performing Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
CPT Code Information
88235
88240
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| CULAF | Amniotic Fluid Culture/Genetic Test | 103593-0 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| 52304 | Result Summary | 50397-9 |
| 52306 | Interpretation | 69965-2 |
| 52305 | Result | 82939-0 |
| CG767 | Reason for Referral | 42349-1 |
| 52307 | Specimen | 31208-2 |
| 52308 | Source | 31208-2 |
| 52309 | Method | 85069-3 |
| 54641 | Additional Information | 48767-8 |
| 52310 | Released By | 18771-6 |
Testing Algorithm
This processing test is for culturing amniocytes for prenatal genetic testing.
Once confluent flasks are established, the amniocyte cultures are sent to other laboratories, either within Mayo Clinic or to external sites, based on the specific testing requested.