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DUHS Clinical Cytogenetics Laboratory

 

The DUHS Clinical Cytogenetics Laboratory is part of the DUHS Molecular Pathology, Genetics & Genomics (MPGG) Division, which also includes the Clinical Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory.  The two laboratories within MPGG share a common space with administrative and medical oversight provided by the DUHS Department of Pathology.   

Areas of Expertise

The Clinical Cytogenetics Laboratory at Duke University Health Systems maintains a broad profile of service in both diagnostic and prognostic testing, including prenatal and postnatal constitutional analysis and testing for acquired abnormalities (neoplasia).   Our test menu includes: 

  • Chromosome analysis and targeted molecular cytogenetic testing on both neoplastic and constitutional samples 
    • Acceptable sample types:  peripheral blood, bone marrow, amniotic fluid, products of conception, skin, solid tumors, and others as needed.   
  • Comprehensive menu of molecular cytogenetic tests using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) is available for both metaphase and interphase analysis including panels of probes for pediatric ALL, AML, CLL, MDS, and multiple myeloma (as applied to isolated plasma cells) 
    • Acceptable sample types vary per probe set, but includes:  peripheral blood, bone marrow, and formalin-fixed paraffin embedded tissue 
  • Chromosomal microarray testing for constitutional abnormalities and acquired abnormalities  
    • Acceptable sample types:  peripheral blood, bone marrow, products of conception, and formalin-fixed paraffin embedded tissue. 
  • Tissue culture 
    • Acceptable sample types:  skin, amniotic fluid, products of conception, chorionic villi 
How to Request Clinical Cytogenetics Tests 

We offer a wide variety of diagnostic cytogenetics tests.  Details about all of our tests can be found in our test catalog:  Test Catalog: Cytogenetics 

Requests for testing from our laboratory can be made by a US licensed health care provider on behalf of their patient.  Health care providers who have not used the services of our laboratory previously and whose practice is outside of the Duke University Health system can request testing by including a completed the test requisition form with the patient’s sample.  For Duke providers, please use electronic order entry through our Epic LIS. 

We are only able to bill institutions; we cannot bill a patient’s insurance directly. 

Test results are sent to the ordering health care provider, not to the patient directly.  However, testing ordered by a Duke provider will be available to the patient through MyChart.  We recommend the ordering provider be prepared to explain test results to their patient.  If you need help with test result interpretation, then please contact our laboratory genetic counselor. 

Test Requisition Form

We have three different test request forms.  If you are unsure which is the correct form to use, then please contact the laboratory.  Please be as complete as possible when filling out these forms.  If your patient is within the Duke system and you are a Duke health care provider, then please use the electronic order entry system in Epic.  If you are a provider outside of the DUHS system, then please contact the laboratory if you are unsure which form to complete or if you need additional information. 

Medical Genetics Test Requisition Form 

Hematology/Oncology Test Requisition Form  

Products of Conception Test Requisition Form 

Informed Consent

Informed consent is the responsibility of the ordering health care provider.  We do not have separate consent forms for patients.  No testing will be performed without a physician of record who is able to consent their patient.   

Sample Shipment

Samples from outside the Duke system should be transported overnight with the completed test requisition form via Fed-Ex or UPS to:   

     Duke University Health System
     Cytogenetics Laboratory
     Room 0220, Wadsworth Building
     2351 Erwin Road
     Durham, NC 27705
     Phone: (919) 684-2698
 

Specific instructions on sample handling can be found in the test catalog:  Test Catalog: Cytogenetics 

We accept shipments Monday-Friday, 8:00am – 5:00pm EST.  We do not accept Saturday, Sunday, or Holiday delivery. 

Contact Us

We are always available to answer your questions.  Please contact us for more information about our services or for help understanding the results of your molecular diagnostic tests.  Our laboratory is open Monday-Friday, 8:00am – 5:00pm EST.  You can reach our team at:   

     Molecular Pathology, Genetics and Genomics
     Phone: (919) 684-6426
     Fax: (919) 681-7072

Andrea Fuentes, CG(ASCP)
Laboratory Manager
(919) 613-8445
Andrea.Fuentes@duke.edu  

Liz Heise, MS, CGC
Certified Genetic Counselor
(919) 660-7886
Elizabeth.Heise@duke.edu