Asper Biotech is a genetic testing company

Requirements for samples

Asper Biotech accepts extracted DNA and blood for genetic examination. DNA extracted from saliva is sufficient for the tests AMD risk assessment, Apo E genotyping, Lactose Intolerance, and resistance to norovirus infections. Preferred saliva collection kits are Oragene®DNA and SalivaGene Collection Module II.

Blood samples

• 2-4 ml of blood with anticoagulant EDTA  is needed for genetic analysis.  Do not use heparin as an anticoagulant. Make sure the anticoagulant and blood are mixed – do not shake!
• Blood samples can be preserved at 2-8°C, but for no longer than one week. Do not freeze the blood! Send blood samples by courier service.

DNA samples

• Genomic DNA should be eluted in pure sterile water, TE or AE buffer.
• The preferred DNA concentration range is 100-250 ng/µl.
• The A260/A280 ratio should be 1.8-2.0.
• DNA sample should run on an agarose gel as a single band, showing no degradation, alongside a quantitative DNA marker.

Requirements for DNA quantity – read more.

Lynch syndrome testing

BRAF mutation testing

• The sample material is paraffin-embedded, formalin-fixed block of tumor tissue from colon.
• The best material of tumor tissue is pre-treatment biopsy.
• Storage and transport temperature for paraffin-embedded, formalin-fixed tissue blocks is 20-25°C.
• Testing results cannot be guaranteed when DNA quality is poor or DNA is too fragmented due to previous tissue fixation process.

Microsatellite instability (MSI) testing

• The sample materials are tumor- and normal tissue from colon.
• The best material of tumor tissue is pre-treatment biopsy.
• The best material of normal tissue is surgical resection or 2-4 ml  of blood (with anticoagulant EDTA).
• Storage and transport temperature for paraffin-embedded, formalin-fixed tissue blocks is 20-25°C.
• Testing results cannot be guaranteed when DNA quality is poor or DNA is too fragmented due to previous tissue fixation process.

MMR genes methylation testing

• The sample material for sporadic colorectal cancer is paraffin-embedded, formalin-fixed block of tumor tissue from colon.
• The sample material for germline methylation is 2-4 ml of blood with anticoagulant EDTA or DNA extracted from blood.
• Storage and transport temperature for paraffin-embedded, formalin-fixed tissue blocks is 20-25°C.
• Testing results cannot be guaranteed when DNA quality is poor or DNA is too fragmented due to previous tissue fixation process.

MMR genes testing

• The sample material for MLH1, MSH2 and MSH6 mutation analysis is 2-4 ml of blood with anticoagulant EDTA or DNA extracted from blood.
• The sample material for PMS2 mutation analysis is blood sample taken in the Tempus™ Blood RNA collection tubes or purified RNA stored and transported on dry ice.

MMR protein expression testing

• The sample materials are paraffin-embedded, formalin-fixed blocks of tumor- and normal tissue from colon.
• The best material of tumor tissue is pre-treatment biopsy.
• The best material of normal tissue is surgical resection.
• Storage and transport temperature for paraffin-embedded, formalin-fixed tissue blocks is 20-25°C.

Prenatal testing

• The sample material is DNA separated from fetal chorionic cells or amniocytes.
• The amount of DNA required for the test is 4,5 µg.
• Recommended DNA concentration is 100-250 ng/µl.
• Analysis results are available in 2-3 weeks.
• The sample material for excluding maternal DNA contamination, is 2-4ml whole blood with EDTA anticoagulant or 30-50 ng genomic DNA.
• Sending DNA samples for Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia testing please specify the DNA isolation kit used.