Karyotype, GTG-banding - Bone Marrow Aspirate

Alternate test name

Chromosome Analysis

Gene name / Alternate gene name

All chromosomes

Lab area

Genome Diagnostics - Cytogenetics

Method and equipment

Direct preparation and unstimulated 24 hour culture; G-banding

Expected turn-around time

2-3 weeks

Specimen type

Bone Marrow Aspirate;
or Peripheral Blood

Specimen requirements

1.5 mL minimum; 2-3 mL if possible

Storage and transportation

Maintain at room temperature. Do not refrigerate or freeze. Ship sample overnight at room temperature for receipt at SickKids Cytogenetics Laboratory within 24 hours of collection.

Special requirements

Collect sample in sodium heparin (if possible 100 u.s.p. unit/mL of preservative-free Sodium Heparin)

For aspirate: relocate needle prior to sampling if possible.

If the bone marrow aspirate sample is from a new diagnosis leukemia patient, and is less than the recommended volume, submit peripheral blood in sodium heparin in addition to bone marrow aspirate.

Shipping information

The Hospital for Sick Children

Division of Genome Diagnostics

555 University Avenue, Black Wing, Room 3416

Toronto, ON

Canada

M5G 1X8

Phone: 416-813-7200 ext. 2

Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Off hours: Please send to Rapid Response Laboratory, 555 University Avenue, Room 3642

Email Molecular Lab: molecular.lab@sickkids.ca

Email Cytogenetics: cytogenetics.requests@sickkids.ca