Steps for sending a bone marrow specimen:

  1. Complete the Comprehensive Hematopathology Requisition. 

    Include complete patient data and history. Include name and phone number and fax number of the physician to be contacted with the results.

    Download Requisition

  2. Specimen preparation

    Label all containers and all smears with patient’s first and last name and date. Please collect and prepare the following:

    1. Slides: Submit 5-7 unfixed, air-dried preparations of the bone marrow aspirate. Make touch preparations from the biopsy before fixation of the biopsy specimen.
    2. Blood: Submit a smear and recent CBC data.
    3. Wet Tissue: Submit the core biopsy and clot in 10% Neutral Buffered Formalin (10cc vials). Label with the patient’s name, ID number, date collected and tissue source. The smears and formalin vials must be sealed in separate bags during shipping to prevent slide fixation.
    4. Molecular Studies: Provide 1 Lavender (EDTA) tube
    5. Flow Cytometry: Provide 1 Yellow (ACD) tube
    6. Cytogenetics: Provide 1 Green (Na Heparin) tube for Cytogenetics if needed.

  3. Specimen packaging

    1. Smears should be bagged separately from formalin-fixed specimens. Double-bag the specimen containers with the requisition on the outside of the plastic bag.
    2. Place the double-bagged specimen into a box (primary container) with adequate absorbent material in case of leakage.
    3. Send the sample at room (ambient) temperature. Include insulation to prevent overheating or freezing as needed.
    4. Place the primary container in a secondary shipping container.
    5. Please call Client Services toll-free 1-866-844-2522 or local 1-319-384-7212 to notify us that a specimen is coming.

  4. Specimen transportation.

    UIDL provides courier services for Iowa clients and/or complimentary FedEx overnight services to all clients. Specimens should arrive Monday – Friday. Special arrangements can be made for Saturday delivery. Please notify Client Services at 319-384-7212 (local) or 1-866-844-2522 (toll free). Cases with liquid bone marrow samples must be sent to arrive within 24 hours.

    Shipping address:
    University of Iowa Diagnostic Laboratories (UIDL)
    Department of Pathology
    200 Hawkins Drive 5231 RCP
    Iowa City, IA 52242-1087

  5. Results

    Results will be faxed upon completion and a copy of the report will be sent. Slides and blocks will be retained by University of Iowa Health Care.

Consultation on processed specimens

  1. Complete the Comprehensive Hematopathology Requisition. Include patient data and history.
  2. Submit Wright-Giemsa stained blood and aspirate smears and clot and core sections. Include blocks and unstained bone marrow smears if possible.
  3. Results will be faxed upon completion. The slides, blocks and copy of the report will be returned.

Bone marrow specimen collection and transport kits

To order bone marrow transport kits: Call 319-384-7212 or toll free at 866-844-2522.

Kit contents:

  • 2x Green (Na Heparin) tubes 3-5 mL
  • 2x Lavender (EDTA) tube 3-5 mL
  • 1 Yellow (ACD) tube 3-5 mL
  • 2x 10% Neutral Buffered Formalin vials (10 mL)
  • 2x Slide Transport Containers with slides
  • 1 FedEx Clinpak Envelope
  • 1 FedEx airbill

Specimen requirements

See the Comprehensive Hematopathology Requisition for specimen requirements. For additional specimen information, please call Client Services at 1-866-844-2522.

Shipper’s Responsibility: The shipper is required to comply with the rules and guidelines for transport of medical specimens as set forth by the US government. Failure to follow instructions for packaging and shipping specimens can result in the delay, loss or destruction of your specimens. UIDL will not be held responsible for any liability attributable to the shipper’s improper actions or failure to comply with regulations.