Blood:

Specimen Requirements: 5-10 cc blood (1-2 cc for newborns) in a green top tube (sodium heparin). Mix well by inverting. Maintain specimen at room temperature.

Turn Around Time: 7-14 days

Skin Biopsy:

Specimen Requirements: Biopsy site should be cleaned using a sterile gauze pad saturated with acetone. DO NOT use antiseptic soaps or iodine. Allow to dry. If local anesthetic is used, we recommend a lidocaine solution without epinephrine. Obtain a piece of skin (full thickness) 3-5 mm in diameter. Transfer specimen to a tube containing tissue culture medium [preferred] or sterile isotonic saline solution (tubes available upon request). Fill tube completely. Cap tightly and seal with Parafilm. Refrigerate specimens until shipment (do not freeze).

Turn Around Time: 2-3 weeks