Submission Procedures

Important information for referring physicians regarding the submission of samples and the ordering of genetic analyses

Legal Basis

According to the Austrian Genetic Engineering Act (GTG), genetic analyses may only be carried out at the request of a specialist trained in medical genetics or a treating or diagnosing specialist responsible for the respective indication area.

Before a genetic analysis is performed, the person to be examined must receive detailed medical consultation regarding the nature, scope, and significance of the analysis. Consent for the examination must be confirmed in writing.

Sample Material

Depending on the requested examination, different samples are required (see also request forms). Please ensure that each assigned sample is labeled with the patient’s name (first and last name) and date of birth.

Aneuploidy Screening

  • Testing methods: Whole genome amplification, Array-CGH
  • Sample material: depending on the indication, trophectoderm cells or polar body biopsies in 2.5µl PBS (calcium-free, magnesium-free) in a 0.2ml PCR tube (with flat attached cap)
  • Sample receipt: waterproof labeling on each tube, delivered in a CoolRack with lid in an insulated box with cooling packs

Molecular Genetic Analyses

  • Testing methods: Mutation analysis, single gene, panel, exome analysis, DNA microarray, PCR
  • Sample material: EDTA blood (adults: 4 ml) Collection and shipment in EDTA tubes. Storage and shipment at room temperature. Do not centrifuge!

Cytogenetic Analyses

  • Testing methods: Chromosome analysis
  • Sample material: 3ml heparin whole blood (without separating gel)
  • Sample receipt: as soon as possible after blood collection, keep refrigerated at +4°C until transport (do not freeze!), transport at room temperature

Miscarriage Diagnostics

  • Testing methods: Array-CGH
  • Sample material: Miscarriage material (ideally muscle biopsy in NaCl solution) and a sample from the mother (approx. 1–3 ml EDTA blood) to exclude maternal contamination

Submission and Acceptance Times

Samples can be sent by mail or delivered in person or via a delivery service on working days (Monday to Friday) between 9:30 AM and 4:00 PM. Address:

HLN-Genetik GmbH
Ortliebgasse 25/1
1170 Vienna
Austria

Sample Notification

Ideally, please notify us of the sample in advance via email to office@hln-genetik.at or via the contact form, without providing explicit data (e.g., name and date of birth). Receipt of the sample can be confirmed by email upon request. Please provide an email address for this purpose in the advance notification.

Required Documents

Please enclose the completed and signed request form with the sample submission. Additionally, we ask you to include a copy of the declaration of consent from your patient for the performance of the requested genetic analysis with the order documents.

All necessary documents for download can be found here: Forms and Documents

Shipping

Depending on the type of examination, it can take between one and several weeks for the result to be available. After completion of the analysis, you will be informed of the result in advance via the email address you provided. In this email, we only provide the patient’s initials and date of birth, as well as the results of the analysis. For further inquiries, please contact our laboratory directly. In addition, a written and signed report with the patient’s full name will be sent to you.

Please note that we can only send reports to the submitting institution or the referring physician, and no forwarding to your patient can take place. Likewise, billing is carried out exclusively via the submitting institution or the referring physician.

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