- Peripheral blood samples for lymphocyte separation or EBV transformation to establish a cell line require 10-20ml blood (adults) or 2-10ml (children) collected in an Acid Citrate Dextrose (ACD) or Sodium Heparin tube. EDTA collection tubes may be used if ACD is not available.
- Peripheral blood samples for RNA analysis require 10-20ml blood (adults) or 2-10ml (children) collected in an EDTA tube.
- All other sample types are by prior arrangement only. Please contact the laboratory for information and advice before sending.
Blood samples must stored at room temperature, must not be chilled or frozen and must reach the laboratory with 48 hours of sampling. Samples should be addressed to the Specialised Cell Culture Service (SCCS) laboratory and must be accompanied by a completed SCCS referral card. Samples may be accepted between 9am and 5pm Monday to Thursday, and must arrive before 1pm if sent to arrive on a Friday. The SCCS laboratory does not operate on Saturday or Sunday.
Please click here for a list of current charges
- New and imported samples are processed within 24 hours of receipt
- Requests for culture of material, EBV transformation of lymphocytes, or export of cells will usually be completed within twelve weeks of receipt of a completed SCCS referral card and are dependent upon the nature of the request and rate of expansion of cells in culture. The laboratory endeavours to initiate all requests within two weeks.
The SCCS laboratory complies with the requirements of the Human Tissue Authority Licence held by Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust.
For enquiries to the SCCS, please emailSCCS.MCGM@mft.nhs.uk or telephone 0161 276 6553.