How to Submit a Sample

Specimen Requirements

Testing on Peripheral Blood and Bone Marrow

Peripheral blood and bone marrow aspirate samples collected in purple-topped tubes (sodium EDTA anticoagulant) should be shipped to the laboratory promptly on wet ice by overnight courier. In general, 10-30 ml of peripheral blood is needed and 2-5 ml of marrow aspirate. However, please see the summary of individual tests for specific details on material required. For certain tests, it is also possible to submit cDNA, genomic DNA and/or RNA directly for testing only if extraction or isolation was performed in a CLIA-certified laboratory. These should be shipped on dry ice for optimal preservation. Delayed shipment of the specimen may compromise the quality of the RNA required for testing. All Peripheral Blood specimens must be accompanied with a CBC. All Bone Marrow Specimens must be accompanied with a BM Differential or pathology report.

Do not freeze whole blood or bone marrow before sending.

Testing on Paraffin-Embedded Tumor Tissues

For DNA testing, we can utilize either paraffin rolls from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue or sections prepared on glass slides with the areas to be analyzed indicated. For cases  involving extraction from paraffin material, submit one H&E stained slide and 5-10 unstained slides depending on the amount of tumor tissue present. For a 0.4 uM thick tissue section of at least 0.5 cm2 area, submit at least 5 slides. For smaller tissue sections, submit up to 10 slides. Microsatellite instability and some LOH testing require tissues from both normal (uninvolved) and tumor samples from the same patient.

Submitting a Sample (from outside MD Anderson)

1. Choose appropriate test(s) from roster of tests available.
2. Fill out the Test Requisition Form (pdf) completely.
3. Submit surgical pathology report (for testing on solid tumor specimens).
4. Submit CBC or BM differential with PB and BM specimens.
5. Send specimens to:
   
   Attn: Processing Department
   The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
   Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory
   6565 MD Anderson Blvd. Room Z3.4023
   Houston, Texas 77030

Direct questions regarding specimen requirements to the Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory via phone at 713-794-4780, fax at 832-750-0248 or email to MDLLOG@mdanderson.org.

Submitting a Sample (within MD Anderson)

See tests available page for appropriate test indication, sample type and amount needed for testing.

Fill out Hematopathology Test Requisition from Forms Anywhere (password protected; call 4-info for assistance).

Send specimens:

• Bone Marrow (2-3 cc) specimens should be delivered in EDTA (purple top) tubes to the Bone Marrow Laboratory, Rm. R4.2137. ext. 2-6309
• Peripheral blood (10-30 cc) should be delivered in EDTA (purple top) tubes to Laboratory Services, Rm. R4.1446, ext. 2-6300

Form for Submission

Please use the Test Requisition Form to request sample testing in the Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory at MD Anderson Cancer Center. Please note the address has changed. Please use the address below to Submit samples.

Attn: Processing Department
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory
6565 MD Anderson Blvd. Room Z3.4023
Houston, Texas 77030