Laboratory Test Preparation

• hsCRP
• High-sensitivity CRP
• Ultra-sensitive CRP
• Cardiac CRP
• CRP for heart disease
• High- sensitivity C-Reactive Protein

Not applicable

• Used to help evaluate an individual for risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Turbidimetric/ Immunoturbidimetric

Chemistry

• No patient preparation necessary.

Red or Gold tube

1-3 mL Serum

1-3 mL Plasma (Li- or Na-Heparin EDTA)

15 Days

2 Months

3 Years

Transport specimen at 2 – 8 °C (with cold packs)

• Failed serum index specimen
• Exceeded sample stability requirement
• Quantity not sufficient
• Improperly labeled specimen
• Improper collection tube used

Monday, Thursday

Monday to Saturday:6:00 PM

Sunday:4:00PM

ROUTINE (on running days)
• 4 hours after receipt of specimen/ arrival of messenger
STAT (on running days only)
• After 2½ HOURS from extraction/messenger arrival

• Heterophilic, e.g. human anti-mouse, antibodies in the serum or plasma of certain individuals are known to cause interference with immunoassays. These antibodies may be present in blood samples from individuals regularly exposed to animals or who have been treated with animal serum products.

Q: Is hs-CRP specific for predicting heart disease?
A: No. CRP is a marker of inflammation, a process that can affect a number of organ systems.
Q: What is the difference between regular CRP and hs-CRP tests?
A: Both tests measure the same protein in the blood. The hs-CRP test is for apparently healthy people to determine their risk of cardiovascular disease. The CRP test is ordered to evaluate people who have signs and symptoms of a serious bacterial infection or of a serious chronic inflammatory disease such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Lipid Profile, Cardiac Risk Assessment, Lp-PLA2

• Hippurate
• Hippuric Acid - Urine

Not Applicable

A toluene metabolite. High levels are a marker for toluene poisoning.

High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)

Special Test

No patient preparation necessary.

Clean, leak proof container

60 mL Random Urine

Not Applicable

24 Hours

5 Days

30 Days

Transport specimen at 2 – 8 °C (with cold packs)

• Quantity Not Sufficient
• Received room temperature
• Improperly labeled specimen
• Improper urine collection

Batch Running

Friday, 12:00 PM

2 months after cut-off (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays)

Available upon request

None Specified

Not Applicable

Toluene intoxication

Histoplasmosis Antigen

Detection ofHistoplasmacapsulatum Antigen in Urine. ... Detection ofHistoplasmacapsulatum urine antigen (UAg) is among the most sensitive and rapid means to diagnosehistoplasmosis

Immunoassay

Special Test

No preparation needed

Sterile container

15 to 30 mL random urine

Not applicable

7 days

14 days

28 days

Transport specimen at 15°C ~25 °C (room temperature)

• Improperly labeled specimen
• Quantity not sufficient

Batch Running

Monday, 12:00 PM

2 weeks after cut-off (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays)

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

• P24 - HIV antigen
• HIV-1 Antigen
• P25 Antigen
• HIV - p24 Ag
• Human Immunodeficiency Virus-P24 Antigen

Not Applicable

HIV is a lentivirus (Retroviridae) which cause AIDS. Infection results in major immunodeficiency due to the progressive killing of CD4 T-lymphocytes. Immunodeficiency predisposes HIV-infected subjects to opportunistic infections and certain tumors. The p24 antigen is a viral core protein which is an early marker for HIV infection (both HIV1 and HIV2). This antigen is detectable in the blood within about 14 days of initial exposure but has disappeared by the fourth week and this test is of no value for monitoring the progression of infection in subjects known to be HIV-positive.

Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA)

Special Test

• No patient preparation needed.
• With neutralisation test if positive

ATTENTION: interference possible in patients treated with biotin (vitamin B7, B8 or H) or taking any food supplement containing biotin. Essential to STOP treatment 8 days before taking the sample

Red or Gold Tube

3 mL Serum

Not Applicable

24 Hours

5 Days

28 Days

Transport specimen at 2 – 8 °C (with cold packs)

• Hemolyzed specimen
• Markedly lipemic specimen
• Exceeded sample stability requirement
• Quantity not sufficient
• Improperly labeled specimen

Batch Running

Friday, 12:00 PM

2 weeks after cut-off (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays)

Available upon request

None Specified

Not Applicable

HIV Screening Tests; AIDS Test; AIDS Screen; HIV Serology; p24 Antigen, HIV-1 and HIV-2 Antibody and Antigen Evaluation

• Human Immunodeficiency Virus
• HIV Screening Tests
• AIDS Screen
• AIDS Test
• HIV Ag/Ab Combo

• HIV1&2 - HIV 1 & 2 (CMIA)
• CFORMI - Consent Form (Immunology)

• Qualitative detection of antibodies to the HIV-1 and HIV-2.
• Screening Test for detection of antibodies to the HIV-1 and HIV-2
• The HIV Ag/Ab Combo assay is a chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA) used for the simultaneous qualitative detection of HIV p24 antigen and antibodies to human immunodeficiency virus type 1 and/or type 2 (HIV-1/HIV-2) in human serum or plasma

Chemiluminescent Microparticle Immunoassay (CMIA)

Immunology

• No patient preparation required.
• Patient must properly fill out and affix his signature on the “Informed Consent” portion in the HIV Testing Services (HTS) Form 1 Rev. 2017(Pre and Post Counseling), HPD Consent for HIV Testing (HPD_F_022) (for minors and incapacitated patients only) and Consent for Releasing of HIV Result (HPD_F_043).
• Patient must undergo HIV pre and post counseling by a certified HIV counselor.

Red or Gold tube

2-3 mL Serum

2-3 mL Plasma (Potassium EDTA, Sodium heparin, Lithium heparin, Plasma separator, Sodium citrate, ACD, CPDA-1, CPD, Potassium oxalate)

3 days

14 days

>14 days (no more than 6 freeze/thaw cycles)

• Separate the serum from clot after centrifugation (if using non-gel tubes)
• Specimen should be transported at 2⁰C to 8⁰C (with cold packs)

• Incomplete document requirements (i.e. consent form not available or incompletely filled out)
• Improperly labeled specimens
• Hemolyzed specimens
• Lipemic specimens
• Specimen transported outside the required temperature.
• Quantity not sufficient-samples less than 2 mL

Daily

Monday-Saturday: 10:00 PM

Sunday: 6:00PM

ROUTINE:4 hours after receipt of specimen/ messenger arrival

STAT:2 ½ hours after receipt of specimen/ messenger arrival

NOTE:

For Further Confirmation (FFC): After 3 to 4 weeks upon receipt of DOH-SACCL

0.000~0.900     NONREACTIVE

0.901~1.100     GRAYZONE

1.101~9999      REACTIVE

NOTES:

• Results that yieldGRAYZONE OR REACTIVEin screening will be sent to DOH-SACCL for confirmatory testing.
• HIV counselors must inform the patient regarding the status of the result, especially if for further confirmation.
• Confirmed HIV result from DOH-SACCL is the official result to be released to the patient.
• Confirmatory results must only be released by a Physician or HIV counselor to patient with valid identification card with picture.
• Assessment for ART Eligibility (Form BC) must be completely filled up by the physician and required to be sent to DOH-NEC.

• Specimens from patients who have received preparations of mouse monoclonal antibodies for diagnosis or therapy may contain human anti-mouse antibodies (HAMA). Such specimens may show either falsely elevated or depressed values when tested with assay kits that employ mouse monoclonal antibodies.

• Heterophilic antibodies in human serum can react with reagent immunoglobulins, interfering with in vitro immunoassays. Patients routinely exposed to animals or to animal serum products can be prone to this interference, and anomalous values may be observed. Additional information may be required for diagnosis

Not Applicable

p24 Antigen, HIV-1 and HIV-2 Antibody and Antigen Evaluation, CD4 Count; HIV Viral Load; HIV Genotypic Resistance Testing

• Human Immunodeficiency Virus
• HIV Screening Tests
• AIDS Screen
• AIDS Test
• HIV Ag/Ab Combo

• HIV1 - HIV 1 & 2 (Quali)
• CFORMI - Consent Form (Immunology)

• Qualitative detection of antibodies to the HIV-1 and HIV-2.
• Screening Test for detection of antibodies to the HIV-1 and HIV-2
• The HIV Ag/Ab Combo assay is a chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA) used for the simultaneous qualitative detection of HIV p24 antigen and antibodies to human immunodeficiency virus type 1 and/or type 2 (HIV-1/HIV-2) in human serum or plasma

Chemiluminescent Microparticle Immunoassay (CMIA)

Immunology

No patient preparation necessary.

Instruction to Patient :

• Patient must properly fill-up and affix his signature on the “Informed Consent” portion in the HIV Testing Services (HTS) Form 1 Rev. 2017(Pre and Post Counseling), HPD Consent for HIV Testing (HPD_F_022) (for minors and incapacitated patients only) and Consent for Releasing of HIV Result (HPD_F_043).

• Patient must undergo HIV pre and post counseling by a certified HIV counselor.

Red or Gold tube

2-3mL Serum

2-3 mL Plasma (Potassium EDTA, Sodium heparin, Lithium heparin, Plasma separator, Sodium citrate, ACD, CPDA-1, CPD, Potassium oxalate)

3 Days

14 Days

>14 days (no more than 6 freeze/thaw cycles)

• Separate the serum from clot after centrifugation (if using non-gel tubes)
• Specimen should be transported at 2⁰C to 8⁰C (with cold packs)

• Incomplete document requirements (i.e. consent form not available or incompletely filled out)
• Improperly labeled specimens
• Hemolyzed specimens
• Lipemic specimens
• Specimen transported outside the required temperature.
• Quantity not sufficient-samples less than 2 mL

Daily

Monday-Saturday: 10:00 PM

Sunday: 6:00PM

ROUTINE :4 hours after receipt of specimen/ messenger arrival

STAT: 2 ½ hours after receipt of specimen/ messenger arrival

For Further Confirmation (FFC):
After 3 to 4 weeks upon receipt of DOH-SACCL

• NONREACTIVE TO HIV 1/2
• REACTIVE
• FFC (For Further Confirmation)

NOTES:

• Results that yieldREACTIVEin screening will be encoded asFFCin the system and will be sent to DOH-SACCL for confirmatory testing.
• HIV counselors must inform the patient regarding the status of the result, especially if for further confirmation.
• Confirmed HIV result from DOH-SACCL is the official result to be released to the patient.
• Confirmatory results must only be released by a physician or HIV counselor to patient with valid identification card with picture.
• Assessment for ART Eligibility (Form BC) must be completely filled up by the physician and required to be sent to DOH-NEC.

• Specimens from patients who have received preparations of mouse monoclonal antibodies for diagnosis or therapy may contain human anti-mouse antibodies (HAMA). Such specimens may show either falsely elevated or depressed values when tested with assay kits that employ mouse monoclonal antibodies.
• Heterophilic antibodies in human serum can react with reagent immunoglobulins, interfering with in vitro immunoassays. Patients routinely exposed to animals or to animal serum products can be prone to this interference, and anomalous values may be observed. Additional information may be required for diagnosis

Not applicable

p24 Antigen, HIV-1 and HIV-2 Antibody and Antigen Evaluation, CD4 Count; HIV Viral Load; HIV Genotypic Resistance Testing

• HIV RNA
• HIV PCR
• Human Immunodeficiency Virus RNA (Quantitative)
• HIV Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (HIV NAAT)
• HIV NAT, HIV Quantification

Not applicable

For use in conjunction with clinical presentation and other laboratory markers of disease progress for the clinical management of HIV-1 group M and HIV-1 group O infected patients. The test can be used to assess patient prognosis by measuring the baseline HIV-1 RNA level or to monitor the effects of antiretroviral therapy by measuring changes in HIV-1 RNA levels during the course of antiretroviral treatment.

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)

Molecular Diagnostics (PCR)

• No patient preparation required

EDTA Tube

Notes:

• Follow the volume of  the EDTA manufacturer's instructions for whole blood collection.
• Whole blood must be centrifuged within 24 hours of collection.

3 mL Plasma

Not applicable

1 Day

6 Days

6 Weeks

• Plasma should be transported at 2 °C – 10 °C (with cold packs)
• Whole blood should be trasported at 2 °C –25 °C.

• Improper use of anticoagulant
• Insufficient volume of blood to anticoagulant
• Improperly labeled specimens
• Hemolyzed sample
• Exceeded sample stability requirement

Batch running: upon completion of batch of 9 samples

6:00 PM

14 Working days (excluding saturday, sunday and holidays)

Releasing time 6:00 PM

Reportable Titer Result                              Interpretation

1. Result :  Target Not Detected

Interpretation :   Report results as "HIV-1 RNA not detected"

2. Result :  Less than (<) 20 copies/mL 

Interpretation : Calculated copies/mL are less than the Limit of Quantitation of the assay.

3. Result : 20 copies/mL up to 10,000,000 copies/mL

Interpretation : Calculated results are within the Linear Range of the Assay".

4. Result : > 10,000,000 copies/mL

Interpretation : Calculated copies/mL are above the range of the assay.

Not applicable

Q: What is a negative viral load?

A: The quantity of virus that someone living with HIV has in their blood can be measured, and this is called their "viral load". When a person has very little virus, they are said to have an "undetectable" viral load. If someone has an undetectable viral load, it does not mean they are cured of HIV.

• CD4 Count
• HIV Antibody and HIV Antigen (p24)
• HIV Drug Resistance (Genotypic and Phenotypic)

• Sequencing of the coding gene for the envelope protein gp120
• Identification of HIV-1 viral tropism (CCR5 V3 loop and gp 120)
• Human Immunodeficiency Virus - anti -viral resistance screen

Not applicable

Sequencing

Special Test

• The test will only be performed if the viral load has recently been performed. Please ensure you enclose the result of the recent viral load test.
• Please specify anti-viral treatments.
• The minimum viral load is 50 copies/mL (85 IU)

EDTA

4ML EDTA PLASMA

Not applicable

48 Hours

7 Days

28 Days

Transport specimen at 2 – 8 °C (with cold packs)

• Hemolyzed specimen
• Markedly lipemic specimen
• Exceeded sample stability requirement
• Quantity not sufficient
• Improperly labeled specimen
• Improper collection tube used
• Clotted specimen

Batch Running

Friday, 4:00 PM

1 month after cut-off (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays)

Not applicable

Not applicable

Not applicable

Tissue typing Class I & II

Not Applicable

Usually tested in organ transplant patients and donors.

Complement Dependent Cytotoxicity/PCR

Special Test

• No patient preparation necessary.
• Call Special Test Section (By Appointment/Schedule).
• Request Container to Special test section
• Ask for the TRANSPLANT IMMUNOLOGY INFORMATION SHEET for patient to be fill-out

NOTE: Do not collect specimen without approval of Special Test Section

RECIPIENT:

• For recipients undergoing dialysis, draw blood before dialysis or at least 6 hours post dialysis.
• If the recipient has had a sensitizing event such as blood transfusion, pregnancy etc. a blood specimen must be obtained at least 14 days after the sensitizing event.

DONOR:

For HLA Typing of donor only ,always ask the name of the recipient and the relationship of the donor to the recipient .

ACD(provided by Special Test), EDTA and Red Tube

8.5 mL whole blood (ACD) 
5 mL whole blood (EDTA)
5 mL Serum (Red Tube)

Not Applicable

24 Hours

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Transport specimen at 15°C ~25 °C (room temperature)

• Over-filled or Under-filled tube
• Clotted Specimen
• Exceeded sample stability requirement
• Quantity not sufficient
• Improperly labeled specimen
• Improper collection tube used

Monday to Friday

Monday to Friday, 7:00 A.M

,

3 days after cut-off (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays)

Not Applicable

None Specified

Not Applicable

Tissue Typing, HLA Typing, Histocompatibility Testing, HLA Crossmatching, HLA Antibody Testing/Screening/Identification, Human Leukocyte Antigen, HLA Oligotyping, HLA Sequence-based Typing

• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Human Leukocyte Antigen B27

Not applicable

Usually tested in organ transplant patients and donors.

Flow Cytometry

Special Test

• No patient preparation necessary.
• Call Special Test Section (By Appointment/Schedule).
• Request Container to Special test section

NOTE: Do not collect specimen without approval of Special Test Section

ACD Tube (provided by HP)

8.5 mL whole blood (ACD)

Not Applicable

24 Hours

Not applicable

Not applicable

Transport specimen at 15°C ~25 °C (room temperature)

• Over-filled or Under-filled tube
• Clotted Specimen
• Exceeded sample stability requirement
• Quantity not sufficient
• Improperly labeled specimen
• Improper collection tube used

Monday to Thursday

Monday to Thursday 7:00 AM
 

After 3 days (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays)

Not Applicable

None specified

Not applicable

HLA-B27 Antigen; B27, Human Leukocyte Antigen B27

Tissue typing Class II

Not applicable

Usually tested in organ transplant for recipients or donors.

PCR

Special Test

• No patient preparation necessary.
• Call Special Test Section (By Appointment/Schedule).

NOTE: Do not collect specimen without approval of Special Test Section

• For recipients undergoing dialysis, draw blood before dialysis or at least 6 hours post dialysis.
• If the recipient has had a sensitizing event such as blood transfusion, pregnancy etc. a blood specimen must be obtained at least 14 days after the sensitizing event.
• Ask for Transplant Immunology Information Sheet at Special Test Section

EDTA and Red Tube

4 mL whole blood (EDTA)
5 mL serum (Red Tube)

Not Applicable

24 Hours

Not applicable

Not applicable

Transport specimen at 15°C ~25 °C (room temperature)

• Over-filled or Under-filled tube
• Clotted Specimen
• Exceeded sample stability requirement
• Quantity not sufficient
• Improperly labeled specimen
• Improper collection tube used

Monday to Thursday

Monday to Thursday 7:00 AM
 

After 3 days (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays)

Not Applicable

None specified

Not applicable

Tissue Typing, HLA Typing, Histocompatibility Testing, HLA Crossmatching, HLA Antibody Testing/Screening/Identification, Human Leukocyte Antigen, HLA Oligotyping, HLA Sequence-based Typing

• 24-Hour Holter Monitoring
• 48-Hour Holter Monitoring
• Ambulatory Echocardiography

-

• Evaluate chest pain that is not caused by exercise test
• Evaluate other signs and symptoms that may be heart-related, such as complaints of chest pain, tiredness, shortness of breath, dizziness, or fainting
• Identify irregular heartbeats or palpitations
• Assess the risk for future heart-related conditions after a heart attack or due to another genetic or pre-exisiting condition
• See how well an implanted pacemaker or prescribed heart medication is working

-

IMAGING DEPARTMENT

• By appointment (For walk-in patients)

• No need for fasting.
• Take a bath or shower before coming to your appointment as you will not be able to do so while wearing the Holter monitor.
• Do not apply any body lotion or oil to your skin, as this makes it difficult to attach the electrodes.
• Wear loose clothing so that the monitor can be worn easily under your clothes.
• Bring a list of your present medications.
• For men who has hairy chest, a small area may be shaved to make sure the electrodes stick.

• Do your usual activities EXCEPT strictlythose activities that can make the device wet (bath, shower, swim).
• On the Patient Diary, record all your activities and the time they are done, as well as the symptoms experienced while wearing the monitor, such as palpitations, skipped heartbeats, shortness of breath, chest pain and light-headedness.
• If a lead falls off during the recording, the device automatically provides both visual and audio notification of the “lead off” error and an anatomical diagram to aid you in getting the lead reattached.
• Cannot undergo MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging).

• Return to the clinic to submit the Patient Diary and so the technician can remove the holter monitor device for you.

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

2 working days after the device is surrendered

NOTE: The patient’s doctor will read the activity journal and analyze the results of the monitor.

-

-

• Patients are strictly advised to avoid activities that will lead to the monitor in getting wet. Thus, patient must be informed to take a bath or shower before coming for the appointment date. In line with this, patient will be asked to sign a consent form stating that he/she will be responsible for the safe return of the Holter unit and is liable for any damages or loss incurred which includes the costs for repair or replacement of the device and its accessories. 

• There are times when an ECG doesn’t detect any irregularities in the heart rhythm because patient is only hooked up to the machine for a brief amount of time. Abnormal heart rhythms and other types of cardiac symptoms can come and go, hence, monitoring for a longer period of time is necessary. If signs and symptoms suggest than an occasionally irregular heart rhythm may be causing the condition, a doctor may recommend a 24-hour holter monitor test. Over that time, the holter monitor may be able to detect irregularities in the heart rhythm that an ECG couldn’t detect.

• Yes. The Holter Monitor has the ability to detect and record pacemaker pulses according to the appropriate criteria of Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) pacer detection.

Not applicable

Not applicable

• Homocysteine values can assist in the diagnosis and treatment of patients suspected of having hyperhomocysteinemia and homocystinuria
• Important marker in risk assessment of CVD
• May also be used to detect Vitamin B12 or Folic Acid deficiency

Chemiluminescent Microparticle Immunoassay (CMIA)

Immunology

• 8-12 hours fasting
• If testing will be delayed for more than 6 hours, remove serum from clot, serum separator gels or red blood cells.
• Specimen must be placed on ice immediately after collection.

Red or Gold tube

1-3 mL Serum


 

1-3 mL Plasma (Li-Heparin, K-EDTA)

Not specified

14 Days

12 Months (3 freeze-thaw only)

Transport specimen at 2°C – 8 °C (with cold packs)

• Hemolyzed specimen
• Markedly lipemic specimen
• Specimen stored/transported outside the temperature range
• Quantity not sufficient
• Improperly labeled specimens

Wednesday, Saturday

Monday to Saturday:10:00 PM

Sunday:6:00PM

ROUTINE (on running days)
• 4 hours after receipt of specimen/ arrival of messenger
STAT (on running days only)
• 2½ hours from extraction/messenger arrival

MALE: 5.46-16.20 umol/L
FEMALE: 4.44-13.56 umol/L

• The following drugs may elevate levels of homocysteine: Methotrexate, carbamazepine, phenytoin, nitrous oxide, anticonvulsants and 6-azauridine triacetate. The mechanism of action of these drugs affects different parts of the metabolic pathway of homocysteine.
• S-adenosyl-methionine is an antidepressant whose molecular form is similar to S-adenosyl-homocysteine. This drug may interfere with the Homocysteine assay.
• Specimens from patients who have received preparations of mouse monoclonal antibodies for diagnosis or therapy may contain human anti-mouse antibodies (HAMA). Such specimens may show either falsely elevated or depressed values when tested with assay kits that employ mouse monoclonal antibodies.
• Heterophilic antibodies in human specimens can react with reagent immunoglobulins, interfering with in vitro immunoassays. Patients routinely exposed to animals or to
animal serum products can be prone to this interference and anomalous values may be observed.

Not applicable

Vitamin B12 and Folate, MTHFR Mutation, Intrinsic Factor Antibody

• HVA
• Homovanilate

Not applicable

Detect neuroblastoma and pheochromocytoma; follow course of tumor treatment

Main catabolite of dopamine. Increased excretion in the urine is usually associated with neuroblastoma.

Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry

Special Test

Collection Procedures :
1. Instruct the patient to void at the beginning of collection period and discard the specimen.
2. Collect all urine including the final specimen voided at the end of collection period.
3. Mix 24 hour urine collected.
4. Label the bottle with patient name, date & time collection started, date & time collection ended and total volume measured.
5. Note total volume.
6. Submit the specimen to HPD

Plastic leak proof clean container without preservative

100 mL of 24 hour Urine

Not Applicable

8 Hours

7 Days

28 Days

Transport specimen at 2 – 8 °C (with cold packs)

• Quantity not sufficient
• Improperly labeled specimen
• Improper urine collection
• Incomplete details

Batch Running

Friday, 4:00 PM

2 weeks after cut-off (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays)

Available upon request

None specified.

Not applicable

Catecholamine-secreting tumors

Not applicable

To determine if a patient is a carrier for up to 274 autosomal recessive and X-linked conditions. Horizon includes common conditions such as Cystic Fibrosis, Fragile X, Spinal Muscular Atrophy and Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

Patient can have Horizon Carrier Screening before or during pregnancy.

Next Generation-Sequencing

Special Test

• No patient preparation necessary.
• Take note that 1 kit will be used per patient.
•  If both partners will be tested, charge for the test will be twice (x2).
• Test collection container (violet top) will be provided by HPD. Branch to coordinate with Special Test (HPD Main) 2-3 days before specimen collection.
• Collect samples using one violet top (K2) tube.
• Mix by inverting 5 – 6 times.
• Do not centrifuge or freeze the specimen.
• Label with the patient’s name, date of birth, date of collection.
• Send sample immediately to HPD Del Monte for ship out within the day.

NOTE:If both partners will be tested, charge for the test will be twice (x2).

Collection Instructions :

1. Complete the “International Requisition Form”.

• Select the appropriate Horizon Screening option for the patient listed under “Test Ordering”
• Complete one form per patient. If both partners are getting screened, please use a separate requisition form and kit for each partner.
• Complete all appropriate fields on the requisition form related to Horizon. This includes patient and ordering clinician information in addition to the information about the Horizon Panel or condition selected.

2. Collect Blood Sample.

• Review sample requirements on the back of the sheet.
• Complete all information requested on the blood tube label.

3. Package sample.

• Place filled blood tube, with completed label, back in the foam holder.
• Place the foam holder with blood tube inside the biohazard bag

Horizon Collection Kit will be provided by HPD Special Test Section.

10 mL Whole Blood

Not Applicable

5 Days

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

• Transport specimen at 15°C ~25 °C (room temperature)
• Place samples in the provided Specimen Bag with gel packs and store at room temperature.
• Send sample immediately to HPD Del Monte for ship out within the day.
• Sample must reach Referral Laboratory within 5 days of sample collection.

NOTE:Double check completeness of information in the required documents prior to sending to HPD Main Laboratory to avoid delay in processing of sample.

• Incorrect storage and transport temperature of specimen 
• Improperly labeled specimen
• Incomplete documentation requirement or incompletely filled out Requisition Quantity not sufficient 
• Specimen collection kit stored/transported outside the temperature range.

Batch running 

Monday to Wednesday,  3:00 PM

• After 21 days (Excluding Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays)
• Results are NOT available online. 
• For HPD and HPD Plus branches, patients will be the one to pick up the result.

Available upon request

None specified

Q. What is Horizon Carrier Screening?

A:  Horizon looks at your genes to see if you’re a carrier for up to 274 autosomal-recessive and X-linked genetic conditions. 

Every one of us is a carrier for 4-6 changed genes that, if inherited in a double dose, could cause a genetic disorder in our children.  These disorders are rare and usually there is no family history, although certain disorders are more common in certain ethnic groups.  For most of these conditions, both parents have to be carriers for their children to be at risk (these are called autosomal recessive disorders).  Others are inherited from a mother who is a carrier (these are called X-linked disorders) and mainly affect boys.  Testing to see if you or your partners are carriers for genetic disorders is your choice, but this is testing that is usually offered to all women who are thinking about becoming pregnant, or who are already pregnant.  Horizon carrier screening offers testing for many of the most common genetic disorders.  You can choose to be tested for only 1 or 2 disorders or for as many as 274.

Q:  Who should have Horizon Carrier Screening?

A:  Anyone who is pregnant or planning a pregnancy can have Horizon carrier screening. Additionally, people who are thinking about donating eggs or sperm usually have carrier screening. Ask your doctor or genetic counselor if Horizon carrier screening is right for you. Please note this testing is not available to minors in some cases. Horizon carrier screening for X-linked disorders is limited to female patients.

Q:  When should I have Horizon Carrier Screening?

A:  Many couples consider having carrier screening before they become pregnant. If they are found to be at risk to have a child with a genetic disorder, they could choose to use in vitro fertilization, test the embryos for the disorder, and only transfer embryos predicted to be unaffected. If a woman is already pregnant, she and her partner can have Horizon carrier screening at any time. Most couples are found to be at decreased risk to have a child with a serious genetic disorder. Couples who are at increased risk have the opportunity to learn about the condition and plan the care of the pregnancy.

Q:  What are the benefits of having Horizon Carrier Screening?

A:  Horizon can help you and your partners learn about the chance to have a child with a genetic disease before or during pregnancy. Many people do not know they are a carrier for an inherited genetic disease until they have an affected child. While there is no test that can screen for all possible genetic diseases or birth defects, genetic carrier screening can give you information to make reproductive choices that are right for you and your family.

Q:  Do I need to have carrier screening more than once?

A:  Carrier screening is usually done once as your carrier status for a specific condition typically does not change. Depending on what you have been screened for in the past, your doctor or genetic counselor may recommend additional carrier screening for more conditions. So, it is possible to have carrier screening more than once. Ask your doctor or genetic counselor to find out what’s best for you.

Q:  What if I have a family history of genetic disease?

A:  It is important to tell your healthcare provider about your family history. They may suggest you meet with a genetic counselor to review your history and discuss options for further testing. A Horizon carrier screen may be suggested as one way to see if your family history is a risk factor for your children.

Q:  What is the chance I could have an affected child if I am a carrier?

A:  If you and your partner are both carriers for the same recessive genetic disease, you have a 1 in 4, or 25%, chance of having an affected child in each pregnancy. If a woman is a carrier of an X-linked disease, she has up to a 50% chance of having an affected child in each pregnancy.

Q: Can my partner and I get screened at the same time?

A:  You and your partner are welcome to have carrier screening at the same time. This should lessen the wait time for results if one partner is found to be a carrier and your doctor recommends the other partner have screening also. Remember, for autosomal recessive conditions, both partners must be carriers for the SAME condition in order to be at risk of having an affected child. Another choice is for the female partner to have carrier screening first. If she is found to be a carrier, then the male partner can be screened for the same condition. Your doctor or genetic counselor can recommend what’s best for you.

Q: Do I have to have the full Horizon carrier screening panel?

A:  No. Your doctor can order Cystic Fibrosis, SMA, and Tay-Sachs Enzyme individually. Your doctor can also choose from several Horizon screening panels in which a number of diseases are screened for at the same time.