Frequently Asked Questions

Ambry Genetics strives to provide our Doctors, Clinicians, Counselors and Patients the information they require. Below we have assembled a list of Questions & Answers that are asked frequently.

Please review the following Frequently Asked Questions & Answers. You can click each of the section headings to go to that specific page. If you require additional information, please feel free to Contact Us with your questions or comments.

Specimen Requirements

Q: What type of samples can be submitted for testing?
A: For a majority of our tests, Ambry Genetics can accept blood, DNA, blood spots, and saliva. Whole blood in an EDTA (purple top) tube is preferred. Please call client services at (866) 262-7943 if you will be sending a sample other than blood as the requirements vary by test.

Q: What are the requirements for sending saliva samples?
A: Saliva samples need to be collected into an Oragene™ DNA Self-Collection container. Please call our client services department to order the appropriate kits for saliva sample collection.

Q: How much blood is required for testing?
A: Please send 3-5cc of whole blood in an EDTA (purple top) tube for adults and 2 cc for pediatrics.

Q: If more than one test is being ordered on the same patient, should I send a tube of blood for each test?
A: No, Ambry Genetics can obtain enough DNA from one single sample to complete multiple tests.

Q: What are the sample requirements for prenatal testing?
A: We require two T25 flasks of cultured amniocytes or chorionic villi, or 10 mg of cleaned uncultured villi. If you are planning to send a prenatal sample to Ambry Genetics, please contact our client services representative at (866) 262-7943 to coordinate.
Shipping Instructions

Q: Where do I send samples to for testing?
A: Ambry Genetics
   Attention: Accessioning
   15 Argonaut
   Aliso Viejo, CA 92656

Q: How do I send a sample?
A: If necessary, Ambry Genetics can provide sample submission kits for your convenience. The kits are free, easy to use, and include a pre-filled Fedex form that can be used to ship the sample back to Ambry Genetics. Please call (866) 262-7943 or request our Sample Submission Kit online.

Q: Does Ambry Genetics accept deliveries on Saturdays?
A: The stability of a blood sample in EDTA is approximately 2 weeks. We have limited staffing on Saturdays and may not be able to receive the sample on a Saturday. However, if a sample is collected on a Friday or during the weekend, you can send the sample to us for Monday delivery.

Q: Can multiple samples be sent using the same submission kit?
A: Yes, and we encourage you to do so. Please make sure that all tubes are labeled and matched with test requisition forms.
Specimen Requirements

Q: What paperwork do I need to include with each sample submission?
A: 1.) Test Requisition Form. Please make sure that patient information, ordering physician information, test(s) requested, and payment option sections of the requisition form are complete. 2.) Consent Form. All samples originating from the state of New York require a general consent form. Specific consent forms for BMPR2 testing and IPF (TERC, TERT) testing are required on all patients.

Billing Information

Q: Does Ambry Genetics accept insurance?
A: Yes, Ambry Genetics has partnered with many insurance companies including Medicare & Medicaid to cover the cost of our tests. Patients will be responsible for co-payments and deductibles as described within their insurance policies.

Q: How much does a test cost?
A: The cost of a test varies depending on the type and extent of the test. Ambry Genetics offers an Insurance Pre-Verification service to help you determine out of pocket cost prior to sample submission.

Q: What do I need to provide for insurance pre-verification?
A: Please submit a completed Insurance Pre-Verification Form by fax to: (949) 900-5501. The insurance pre-verification form can also be provided to you by calling us at (866) 262-7943.

Q: What if I cannot pay for the test?
A: Ambry Genetics offers the Self-Pay plan to assist patients in limiting their out of pocket costs to no more than 15% of the total bill excluding any deductibles or co-payments.

Q: What if I need help with result interpretation?
A: Ambry Genetics offers genetic counseling services to assist physicians and other healthcare providers with result interpretation as well as test selection. Please call (866) 262-7943 to speak to one of our genetic counselors.
Test Results & Availability

Q: When are results available?
A: Depending on the test ordered, the results may be available 10-49 days from the date of receipt.

Q: Who can get a copy of the results?
A: Ambry Genetics tests can only be ordered by a physician. Therefore, all results are provided to the physician. If you are a patient and would like to receive a copy of your results, you should obtain a copy from your physician.

Q: What if I need help with result interpretation?
A: Ambry Genetics offers genetic counseling services to assist physicians and other healthcare providers with result interpretation as well as test selection. Please call (866) 262-7943 to speak to one of our genetic counselors.
Licenses & Certifications

Q: What are your CLIA and CAP certification numbers?
A: Our CLIA identification number is 05D0981414 (expiration date 5/29/2010). CAP LAP number is 7154701 (expiration date 10/26/2010). For more Licenses & Certifications, please click the link to our Licenses & Certifications Page above.

Q: Are your tests FDA approved?
A: The FDA has determined that genetic tests that are developed and validated in house do not require clearance or approval.

Q: Does Ambry Genetics accept samples from all states or from outside the country?
A: Yes, Ambry Genetics is approved to perform testing for samples coming from all 50 states and internationally.
Test Additions

Q: Can I order additional testing on previously submitted samples?
A: You can add a test to a previously submitted sample if DNA is still available. Please call our client services department at (866) 262-7943 to ask for a test addition. A representative can let you know if enough sample is available or if a new sample submission is necessary for further testing.

Q: How do I go about adding more tests?
A: If the sample has not been received in our laboratory, then you can log into AmbryPORT™, our online ordering portal, to edit changes. Otherwise, you can add additional tests by calling our client services department at (866) 262-7943.
Forms & Contact Information

Q: How can I contact Ambry Genetics?
A: You can contact us by simply calling (866) 262-7943 or completing the Contact Us form via our website or emailing us at info@ambrygen.com.

Q: How do I order sample submission kits and requisition forms?
A: To order more kits or forms, you can contact us by simply calling (866) 262-7943 or completing the Contact Us form via our website or emailing us at info@ambrygen.com.