Specimen requirements and shipping
See requirements for collecting and shipping your patient’s sample.
High-quality genetic testing begins with high-quality samples. Our specimen collection kits include instructions to help patients and providers achieve optimal specimen quality.
We care about your patients and value your time, so we make every effort to get the most out of each specimen we receive, helping to keep our sample failure rates low and the testing process moving forward.
Specimen types for your test
Each genetic testing method is validated for specific sample types. Using only validated samples ensures high-quality, accurate, and reliable testing results from our lab.
See the description for the test you’re ordering, including sponsored testing, to find accepted and preferred specimens. We’re happy to talk through specimen requirements as well, in order to answer any questions you or your patient might have.
Required labeling
Label each specimen container with the date of collection and at least two patient identifiers, such as the patient's name, date of birth, ID or order number to ensure accurate order processing. Accurate labeling helps us quickly match the specimen we receive with the order paperwork, so we can begin the testing process.
Fetal and maternal specimens need clear and distinct labels to prevent confusion and allow for accurate testing of each sample.
Specimens collected in New York
Complete and submit a provider statement for all specimens collected in New York. Due to regulations, specimens from the State of New York without required paperwork must be discarded within the required timeframe.
See the provider statement form and all New York requirements.
Specimen receiving schedule
Specimen deliveries are accepted Monday–Saturday for all specimen types. However, urgent and/or sensitive specimens, such as cell cultures, direct amniotic fluid, or direct chorionic villi, are preferred to arrive Monday–Thursday.
Urgent/sensitive specimens shipped on Thursday should be marked for overnight delivery; those sent Friday should be marked for overnight Saturday delivery.
Please note that if we do not receive the sample before the last drop off, the specimen may be waiting until Monday for delivery.
Note: Sample collection kits in the U.S. and Canada include pre-paid return postage (does not include Saturday delivery). Kits ordered internationally will not include pre-paid return postage.
Prenatal testing
Please sign the Prenatal Healthcare Provider's Statement for ongoing pregnancies and contact us in advance regarding prenatal test requests.
Fetal and maternal specimens need clear and distinct labels to avoid confusion and allow for accurate testing of each sample.
When possible, ship prenatal samples to arrive at PreventionGenetics no later than Thursday.
Refer to our Prenatal Guidelines for information about prenatal testing.
Postmortem specimens
We accept fresh tissue and blood. Please note, we do not accept: paraffin embedded tissue, nails, hair, teeth, urine, bile, vitreous humor (liquid from the eye), specimens collected after embalming, or specimens that have been put into a preservative after collection (e.g. formalin fixed)
DNA genotyping panel
For quality control purposes, the PreventionGenetics DNA Genotyping Panel is performed on all clinical specimens. Genotyping results are not included in test reports.
Please contact us with additional specimen requirement questions.
Mailing Address
PreventionGenetics
Diagnostic Lab
3800 S. Business Park Ave.
Marshfield, WI 54449 USA
Ready to get started?
1
Order your genetic test
See which specimen types are accepted for your patient’s test.
2
Request a test kit
Order the sample collection kit and send it to your office or patient’s home.
3
Collect and label specimen
Follow kit instructions. Label specimen container with at least two identifiers, such as the patient's name, date of birth, and ID number.
1
Order your genetic test
See which specimen types are accepted for your patient’s test.
2
Request a test kit
Order the sample collection kit and send it to your office or patient’s home.
3
Collect and label specimen
Follow kit instructions. Label specimen container with at least two identifiers, such as the patient's name, date of birth, and ID number.
4
Ship specimen
Use the mailing label in the kit or request a mailing label. Follow shipping guidelines above for each specimen type.
5
Check status
Your order status will update to “Specimen Received” in myPrevent once sample is received.
Have a question?
View our FAQs for answers to most common questions, or start a chat for further support.