General Laboratory Policies
- Test Cancellation
- Testing Samples of Poor Integrity
- Sample Storage
- Adding or Changing a Test at Signature Genomics
- Shipping a Sample to Another Laboratory
- Returning a Sample to Ordering Client
- Acceptance of Samples for Research
- Policy Changes
Test Cancellation
A test may be cancelled by the ordering client with no charge incurred prior to initiation of testing at Signature Genomic Laboratories. The client must provide written confirmation of the test cancellation, faxed to (509) 474-6839. Signature Genomics begins processing each sample the day it is received. For prenatal testing, this includes parental samples submitted in advance of the fetal sample. If cancellation is requested within the first 24 hours AFTER receipt of the sample by Signature Genomics, a DNA extraction fee will be charged and a cancellation report will be issued. After 24 hours of receipt of the sample, the appropriate party will be billed the full amount of the test even if the client declines a written report or the patient declines to learn the results of testing.
Testing Samples of Poor Integrity
All samples received by Signature Genomic Laboratories are evaluated for sample integrity prior to performing microarray analysis. For samples of poor integrity (such as degraded DNA) or slow or no dividing cells, the ordering client is notified and given the option of cancellation at no charge or proceeding with testing. If the client chooses to cancel the test, a cancellation report will be generated. The client may submit a second sample for analysis. If the client chooses to proceed with microarray analysis, and the test is successful, the appropriate party will be billed the full cost of the test. If the analysis fails due to poor sample integrity, the appropriate party will be billed 50% of the cost of the test.
Sample Storage
Signature Genomic Laboratories stores extracted DNA on samples processed and reported by the laboratory for 1 year. After 1 year, the sample is discarded according to established protocols and guidelines. For information about ordering additional testing through Signature Genomics on an existing sample OR requesting that Signature Genomics send an existing sample to another laboratory for testing, please see policies below.
Adding or Changing a Test at Signature Genomics
Signature Genomic Laboratories will make every effort to accommodate a client’s request to add or change a test, as long as there is adequate sample and/or appropriate sample type to perform the requested test. If a verbal or phone request to add or change a test is received from the ordering physician, the entire order is read back to verify accuracy. This is documented and held in the patient's folder. A written authorization from the ordering physician is required within 30 days of the request. The cost of the test will be consistent with current established prices. Signature Genomic Laboratories will also make every effort to accommodate requests to perform additional analyses on the same specimen within one year of the original analysis, provided that the sample stored is the appropriate sample type, adequate amount, and good integrity. Again, the cost of the additional test will be consistent with current established prices. A new requisition form (Pediatric/Adult or Prenatal) must be completed by the client and received by the laboratory prior to initiation of additional testing.
Shipping a Sample to Another Laboratory
Signature Genomic Laboratories will honor requests to ship a patient sample to another laboratory. Please provide the following information in writing to Signature Genomics: shipping instructions, complete address and contact information of the laboratory to which the sample will be shipped, and a courier account number. Signature Genomic Laboratories is not responsible for samples lost or damaged in the shipping process, nor is it responsible for the cost or billing of the send-out test.
Returning a Sample to Ordering Client
Signature Genomic Laboratories will honor requests to return a sample due to client error or wrong sample type for analysis. A courier account number and complete shipping address must be provided in writing. Signature Genomic Laboratories is not responsible for samples lost or damaged in the shipping process.
Acceptance of Samples for Research
Signature Genomic Laboratories supports collaborative research efforts. Research opportunities will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us at (509) 474-6840 for more information.
Policy Changes
Signature Genomics Laboratories reserves the right to make changes to General Laboratory Policies at any time.