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SARS-CoV-2 Rapid RNA Sequencing

The Doctors Laboratory is offering a rapid sequencing service for samples previously identified as SARS-CoV-2 positive. This service is avaiable to both NHS and Independent sector laboratories.

Samples may be referred for sequencing 7 days a week (24/7) to:

LEVEL 5 SEQUENCING
The Doctors Laboratory
The Halo Building
1 Mabledon Place London
WC1H 9AX

A new account Set Up Form will be sent on request to any referring laboratory or processing clinic who has not previously referred samples to TDL. To request a Set Up Form, please contact sequencing@tdlpathology.com

Results will be reported as for routine pathology services.
 

Sample types to send for testing

The preferred sample type is extracted RNA although primary clinical samples will also be accepted if RNA is not available.

Details of the RNA extraction method and the extraction and elution volumes for each sample must be included in the request form.

 

RNA

This is the preferred material to send for testing. For best outcome, RNA should be prepared as soon as possible after the sample has been received in your laboratory to prevent degradation.

  • Samples should not be exposed to extreme temperature, freeze–thaw cycles must be avoided to prevent degradation of the RNA sample (a maximum of 2 cycles from primary test to arrival at TDL). RNA degradation will result in low quality or failure to sequence.
  • RNA samples should always be shipped on dry ice (minus 80°C) with an approved courier service.
  • The sample volume must be recorded on the request form. The minimum volume is 20μl of RNA sample
  • Samples should never be diluted before arrival at The Doctors Laboratory.
  • Samples should be in Proprietary Elution Buffer, e.g. Qiagen buffer EB, TE or molecular grade RNase-free water.

 Samples should be stored and shipped in molecular grade RNase–free plasticware.

  • Samples should be shipped,where possible,in clearly labelled individual tubes.
  • If more than 20 samples are being referred to TDL at the same time, these may be sent in plate format providing that a sample manifest and a clear plate map accompanies the request form.
  • The Ct value of each sample andPCR test method should also be indicated on the request form. Samples with a Ct value greater than 35 should not be referred for sequencing as these levels may decrease the quality of the sequencing data.

Primary samples

  • Primary samples are not the preferred sample to send for sequencing analysis but where no RNA is available, a minimum volume of 250μl of primary sample will be accepted.
  • Samples should be stored at 4°C–8°C prior to shipping but sent to TDL at ambient temperature.
  • Do not subject the samples to freeze–thaw cycles or extremes of temperature.
  • Same-day delivery courier is the preferred delivery method. Delay in referring may affect the result turnaround time.
  • Please include the SARS-CoV-2 PCR method used and the Ct value with the request form. Samples with a Ct value greater than 35 should not be referred for sequencing as these levels may decrease the quality of the sequencing data.

Samples should be clearly labelled and sealed with parafilm before sending to:

LEVEL 5 SEQUENCING 
The Doctors Laboratory 
The Halo Building
1 Mabledon Place London
WC1H 9AX

Please place one copy of the Request Form with the sample(s).The request form must not be in contact with the sample tubes or plates.

 

Request form and sample manifest

Please include one completed sequencing request form with each sample  (these can be provided by e mail), indicating sample type for sequencing. All request forms must be as complete as possible. As a minimum, the information required should include:

  • Name of the Laboratory/Clinic referring to TDL
  • Specimen number/identifier and sample type
  • Date sample taken
  • RNA extraction method, or indicate TM or analysis buffers used
  • SARS-CoV-2 PCR result (Ct value)

If larger numbers of RNA samples are being referred to TDL at the same time, they may be batched
and shipped in 96 well microtitre plate format, ensuring that a sample manifest including the plate layout is included in both paper and electronic format. This must be indicated on the request form and the electronic format emailed to sequencing@tdlpathology.com

 
Packaging

Samples must be packed and managed according to ACDP Hazard Group 3 specimens. Further details can be obtained from the link below:
Packaging and transport requirements for patient samples – UN3373 - GOV.UK

The UN3373 label must be clearly visible on the outer packaging to:

LEVEL 5 SEQUENCING 
The Doctors Laboratory 
The Halo Building
1 Mabledon Place London
WC1H 9AX

Transport

All laboratories requesting sequencing are responsible for arranging suitable transport for all specimens being referred to TDL. Compliance with transport regulations is a prerequisite and all packaging should be clearly labelled and visible showing UN3373 P650 labelling.


Reporting, invoicing and queries

Sequencing results will be reported to the requesting laboratory as for routine results. The details for any laboratory or processing clinics must be provided prior to referring samples to TDL for sequencing.

The charge for sequencing is £250.00 for each sample, with invoices issued on a monthly basis.
VAT is not charged.

Any queries should be directed to sequencing@tdlpathology.com or by telephone to the Director of TDL Genetics, Dr Lisa Levett on 07909 988 969.