REQUEST AND SAMPLES TO BE SUBMITTED TO THE LABORATORY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF MEDICAL GENETICS

Mandatory information on the request form:

• Name and first name, signature, and RIZIV number of the requesting physician. Physicians working at UZ Ghent can request tests electronically via the UZ Ghent EPD; in that case, the personal EPD login serves as the signature.
• Identification details of physicians who wish to receive a copy of the results report (name and additional information such as RIZIV number, specialty, address, telephone number).
• Date of the request
• Date of sample collection
• Two identifiers for the patient, which must also be indicated on the sample: e.g. full name and date of birth
  • If the name of a newborn is not yet known, the family name and date of birth may be used for identification, with a code such as “XX” for the first name.
  • For fetal samples, clearly indicate: “fetus of [mother’s name]” or “child of [mother’s name]”.
• Patient’s health insurance details
• Requested genetic test: The desired tests must be requested by ticking the appropriate box(es) on the request form. Information about the required sample and any additional conditions can be found on the website. If you wish to request a genetic test that is not pre‑printed on the request form, tick “Other” and specify the desired test. We will assess what is possible. Additional conditions may apply, or the test may not be possible or useful. You will be informed as soon as possible.
• Clinical information

For correct interpretation of the test result, it is important that the indication for the test is known. Examples:

• You request genetic testing to confirm or rule out the suspected clinical diagnosis.
• Your patient has a sibling with an autosomal recessive disorder and you want to test your patient for carrier status.

Contact the laboratory secretariat for more information: +32‑9‑332 2477

General acceptance criteria for performing the genetic test:

A genetic test can only be performed if it is requested by a physician. The name and first name, RIZIV number, and signature of the requester are mandatory.

Testing may be refused if the sample and/or request form do not meet quality requirements. Request forms must be completed fully and unambiguously (see “mandatory information on the request form”).

A description of the clinical symptoms of your patient is mandatory.

The indication must be clear. You must state whether you request a test for carrier status, confirmation of a clinical diagnosis, or prediction of a condition that may manifest later in life (predictive test).

The clinical information must show consistency with the symptoms of the genetic disorder for which the test is requested. Indicate whether (and which) relatives have the disease.

We may contact you for additional information. Therefore, please provide your personal details clearly.

The sample label and the information on the request form must clearly identify the patient—see Sample Instructions. If labeling is questionable, the sample may be rejected.

It is important that the human sample is of the correct type and that it is stored and transported properly. Sample requirements are also briefly listed on the request forms. Sometimes, after consultation with the requester, a non‑standard primary sample may still be used; in that case, the result will be reported with reservations.

The request will be refused if:

• the samples cannot be identified
• no genetic test exists or no laboratory performs the test
• there are insufficient clinical reasons to perform the requested test
• the test has already been performed in the past
  You will be informed as soon as possible of any refusal.