WELCOME TO MOLECULAR DIAGNOSTICS

1. All samples sent to the Molecular Diagnostics Unit should be requested by contacting 04-562 2293. Samples can be sent from Monday to Thursday accompanied by a complete and correctly filled Molecular Diagnostic Request Form and Proof of Payment.
2. A correct amount of blood volume as stated on the tube is collected into the appropriate anticoagulant for the test requested. To ensure the volume of blood collected is correct, fill the tube to the indicator line.
3. The blood should be mixed gently and thoroughly for 8-10 times by a rotary wrist movement to prevent clotting.
4. Every samples should be accompanied by details of clinical history and diagnosis in the electronic request and a completely filled request form.
5. The request should be accompanied with an Informed Consent for DNA test (except for DNA extraction request).

PCR SRY gene:

• Blood is collected in EDTA tube. However, if the sample is send together with chromosomal study to Genetics Unit, the blood should be collected in lithium heparin tube*. The blood should be mixed well to prevent clotting.
  *Note: Please refer to Chapter 4 for more details.
• The blood should be transported in ice (make sure not to freeze the blood) and accompanied by a complete and correctly filled Molecular Diagnostic Request Form.

PCR SAO:

• Blood is collected in EDTA tube. The blood should be mixed well to prevent clotting.
• For prenatal screening, chorionic villus sampling (CVS) can be sent to Molecular Diagnostic Unit together with parents’ blood sample.
• The blood should be transported in ice (make sure not to freeze the blood) and accompanied by a complete and correctly filled Molecular Diagnostics Request Form.
• The request must be accompanied with a copy of recent FBP (< 3 months) result.
• All paediatrics (≤ 12 years old) samples must be accompanied with parents’ samples.

Blood DNA Extraction:

• Blood is collected in EDTA tube. The blood should be mixed well to prevent clotting.
• The blood should be transported in ice (make sure not to freeze the blood) and accompanied by a complete and correctly filled Molecular Diagnostics Request Form.

Multiplex PCR Molecular Alpha Thalassaemia:

• Blood is collected in EDTA tube. The blood should be mixed well to prevent clotting.
• The blood should be transported in ice (make sure not to freeze the blood) and accompanied by a complete and correctly Molecular Diagnostics Request Form.
• The request must be accompanied with a copy of recent FBP (< 3 months) result and Hb Analysis result.
• All paediatrics (≤ 12 years old) samples must be accompanied with parents’ samples.

All samples should be sent to the Molecular Diagnostic Unit within 48 hours of collection. After delivering the sample/s please inform the laboratory staff by contacting 04-562 2293 to make sure that the lab is aware there is/are sample/s. If there is an unavoidable delay between the collection of the sample and dispatch, the sample can be stored in a refrigerator at 2 - 8°C. It is the responsibility of the requesting staff to ensure that samples arrive at the laboratory in suitable condition. Samples should be transported in ice without freezing.

1. Request should be made on same day sample is sent to the lab.
2. Request should be made by the requesting / treating doctor.