The cytogenetics checklist requirement for turnaround times for neoplastic peripheral blood and bone marrow specimens, as well as prenatal amniotic fluid and chorionic villi specimens, was revised last summer, yet some labs are not complying with the change.

Question CYG.32925 now reduces the required turnaround time for neoplastic blood and bone marrow from 28 to 21 days. The question reads, "Is the final report for neoplastic bloods and bone marrow analyses provided within 21 calendar days of specimen receipt in at least 90% of cases?"

Similarly, CYG.32800 was revised to read, "Is the final report on amniotic fluid and chorionic villi analyses provided within 14 calendar days of specimen receipt [versus seven days] in at least 90% of the cases?"

These updated checklist questions have been in the field since July 2003. It is important for laboratory directors to take note of the changes.