Specimen Source Verification
Verify the Source of Specimen Samples with DNA
We are now widely offering our DNA Specimen Provenance Assay (DSPA) test to help support physicians across the US and Canada in solving misidentified biopsy specimens. A few examples of where DSPA can help solve specimen provenance issues include:
• Areas of interest on slides or blocks
• Fragments or floaters in histologic specimens
• Multiple medical samples found within the same specimen jars
• Non-labeled specimen jars or slides
• Indiscriminate medical samples
The DNA profiles of both the tissue sample (in question) and a reference sample (buccal swab, blood, or other biological specimen) are compared to confirm a DNA match. Once a result is determined a report is published and made available via the Know Error report portal. The turn-around-time (TAT) varies depending upon the specimen type, but reports are usually issued within 2 – 3 days after receipt of both the tissue and reference samples.
The Know Error Specimen Source Verification kit includes:
Part A – Requisition form and extra bar codes for patient files
Part B – Plastic zip bag containing buccal swabs for DNA collection
Part B – Swab return envelope
Part C – Envelope containing Part D microcentrifuge tubes to send to Pathology Lab