Parental Testing for Pediatric and Adult Patients
Parental testing may be considered in cases of an abnormal result, in order to determine parental carrier status or recurrence risk.
Parental Testing for Pediatric and Adult Patients Tested by the SignatureChipOS™
For pediatric or adult patients tested by the SignatureChipOS™,the type of sample required from each parent for comprehensive analysis and interpretation may differ with each case, so please refer to the patient’s report generated by Signature Genomics, or call the laboratory directly. In general, parental testing typically requires two tubes each with 3-5 cc whole blood, one sodium heparin (NaHep) green-top tube, and one EDTA purple-top tube from each parent. Exceptions may apply.
Results of parental studies have a turnaround time of 5-10 days depending upon the type of analysis that is performed at Signature Genomics. Parental reports and an amended patient report are generated and sent to the ordering physician.
Please note that analysis of parental samples may reveal unexpected DNA dosage alterations that may have clinical significance for the parent. Genetic counseling is strongly recommended prior to submission of parental samples so that both parents understand the implications of this testing.
Requisition Form Instructions for Submitting Parental Samples
Parental samples may be sent together using one requisition form. Below are specific instructions to complete the Requisition Form to expedite processing of parental samples. Please call the Laboratory with questions. Incorrect or missing information may delay sample processing.
- Physician Signature: Informed Consent
- Provide physician or health care provider signature to acknowledge that the benefits and limitations of microarray testing have been discussed with each parent. There is a space for this signature at the top of the requisition form in the “Informed Consent” section. We provide a more detailed description of benefits, risks, and limitations on our Informed Consent for Molecular Cytogenetic Testing form, which you may wish to use in your discussions with your patients.
- Requisition Form
- The health care provider may use the previous requisition form that was sent with the proband's sample. When using the requisition form that was originally filled out for the proband:
- Make a copy of this form so that you retain the original.
- Fill in the Parents’ Samples box at the bottom of page 1 of the requisition form: include name, date of birth, and sample type for each parent for whom you are submitting samples.
- Follow directions for submitting billing information (see below).
If you choose to fill out a new requisition form (for example, the requisition form that was filled out for the proband's sample is no longer available):
- Fill in the proband’s name, date of birth, and sex so that we can link the parental samples to the proband's result.
- Fill in the referring physician’s name and contact information.
- Fill in the Parents’ Samples box at the bottom of page 1 of the requisition form. Include name, date of birth, and sample type for each parent for whom you are submitting samples.
- Follow directions for submitting billing information (see below).
- Billing Information
- Fill out a page 2 of the requisition form (“Billing Information”) for each parental sample submitted. Write in the proband’s name and the name and date of birth of the parent to whom the billing information corresponds.
- Institutional Billing:
Fill out the Institutional Billing section with financial contact information or Client ID. - Self-Pay:
Fill out information as requested in this section. - Insurance Billing:
If Signature Genomics is to bill the patient’s insurance, it is important that we have signatures for each person who is having a sample submitted. Please read the statements carefully.
- Institutional Billing:
How to Submit a Pediatric/Adult Sample
For step-by-step instructions on submitting a sample, please visit our How To Submit a Pediatric/Adult Sample page.