Toxoplasma Serology Laboratory

PCR: Instructions

General Instructions:
Specimen Types and Requirements	PCR SPECIMEN REQUIREMENT TABLE
Shipment:	Send specimens for PCR testing to this address: Toxoplasma Serology Laboratory Attention: PCR PAMF Research Institute Ames Building, 795 El Camino Real Palo Alto, CA 94301 Ship samples for PCR testing separately from other samples. All samples received for PCR testing will be prepared for testing, and will not be suitable for return. A serum specimen for serologic testing must accompany PCR test requests for any patient not recently tested in our laboratory. The minimum request for serologic testing must include IgG and IgM. There is an additional charge for testing this serum.
Amniotic Fluid:
	It is recommended that amniocentesis for toxoplasmosis PCR be performed at a minimum of 18 weeks gestation. A serum sample from the mother must accompany the amniotic fluid, unless she has been previously tested in our laboratory.
Specimen:	DNA for our PCR procedure is obtained from pelleted amniotic fluid.
Volume:	10 ml
Shipment:	Ship amniotic fluid on wet ice or cold packs sufficient to maintain temperature of 2 - 8° C. during shipment; frozen acceptable. Include enough dry ice to keep specimen frozen during shipment.
Cerebrospinal, vitreous or aqueous fluid:
Specimen:	A serum sample from the patient must accompany the fluid, unless serum has been recently tested in our laboratory.
Volume:	1 ml
Shipment:	Freeze sample immediately after collection. Ship sample on dry ice by overnight courier. Include enough dry ice to keep specimen frozen during shipment.