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Test ID: CULAF Amniotic Fluid Culture for Genetic Testing

Useful For

Producing amniocyte cultures that can be used for genetic analysis


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.

Method Name

Cell Culture

Reporting Name

Amniotic Fluid Culture/Genetic Test

Specimen Type

Amniotic Fld

Specimen Required

Provide a reason for referral and gestational age 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.




Container/Tube: Amniotic fluid container

Specimen Volume: 5-10 mL

Collection Instructions:

1. Discard the first 2 mL of amniotic fluid. If the culture will be performed in conjunction with chromosome analysis and alpha-fetoprotein, a total of approximately 25 mL to 30 mL will be needed for the combined studies.

2. Place the tubes in a Styrofoam container (T329).

3. Fill remaining space with packing material.


5. Bloody specimens are undesirable.


Additional Information:

1. Advise Express Mail or equivalent if not on courier service.

2. Results will be reported and also telephoned or faxed, if requested.

Specimen Minimum Volume

5 mL

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time
Amniotic Fld Refrigerated (preferred)

Clinical Information

Fetal cells obtained by amniocentesis (amniocytes) are used for a wide range of laboratory tests. Prior to testing, the cells may need to be cultured to obtain adequate numbers of amniocytes.

Reference Values

Not applicable

Clinical Reference

Barch MJ, Knutsen T, Spurbeck JL: In The AGT Cytogenetics Laboratory Manual. Third edition, 1997

Day(s) and Time(s) Performed

Samples processed Monday through Sunday. Results reported Monday through Friday; 8 a.m.-5 p.m., CST.

Analytic Time

23 days

Test Classification


CPT Code Information



LOINC Code Information

Test ID Test Order Name Order LOINC Value
CULAF Amniotic Fluid Culture/Genetic Test In Process


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 49549-9
54641 Additional Information 48767-8
52310 Released By 18771-6



-Informed Consent for Genetic Testing (T576)

-Informed Consent for Genetic Testing-Spanish (T826)

Mayo Clinic Laboratories | Genetics and Pharmacogenomics Catalog Additional Information: