DNA Extraction and Storage (Blood)

Testing Laboratory

Auckland Te Toka Tumai | Auckland Hospital

Department

Diagnostic Genetics

Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)

DNAT

Test Code (Numeric Code)

7933

Laboratory Handling

Phlebotomy

Please store specimens at 4 degrees C until processed.

Sample Stability

48 hours from collection

Synonyms

DNA extraction
Genomic DNA extraction

Turnaround Time

3 weeks

Specimen Type

• Buccal Swab
• Guthries Card
• Saliva
• Tissue
• Whole Blood

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• EDTA (Lavender Cap)

Acceptable

• EDTA (Microtainer)
• EDTA (Lavender Cap)

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

4

Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

0.5

Paediatric Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• EDTA (Lavender Cap)

Acceptable

• EDTA (Microtainer)
• EDTA (Lavender Cap)

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

0.5

Pre-testing Requirements

It is important that all patients are consented for their DNA to be stored. The referring clinician is responsible for obtaining informed patient consent for testing, sample storage, and sending samples overseas when required. By submitting a referral, the clinician confirms that appropriate consent has been obtained. Consent forms do not need to be provided to the laboratory, and consent status will not be checked by laboratory staff. Please refer to the Resources section for the consent form.

Aliquot Instructions

Sample Type

• Whole Blood

Minimum Volume (ml)

4

Transport to Lab

Ambient (8 - 24 degrees Celsius)
If overnight - Chilled (2 - 8 degrees Celsius)

Additional Referral/Aliquot Information

Transport all bloods between 8 degrees C to 24 degrees C within 24-48 hours. If necessary, specimens can be refrigerated overnight for transport at the temperatures stated above the following day.

For testing of other sample types please contact the laboratory prior to sending.

Test Method

The laboratory uses a variety of manual or automated DNA extraction techniques. The appropriate method will be selected dependent on the sample type and volume received.

Uncertainty of Measurement

Please contact the Diagnostic Genetics Pathologist at dgen@adhb.govt.nz to discuss sources of test uncertainty, which include, but are not limited to, measurement uncertainty (MU) and biological variation.

Resources

• GHS Consent for Genetic Testing and/or DNA storage

Contact Information

Contact Information