ChemoSNiP

Purpose of the test

The ChemoSNiP test looks for single nucleotide polymorphisms – variations in our DNA sequence that can affect if we develop cancer or if we respond to treatments with chemicals, drugs and other agents.

Useful information

The ChemoSNiP test requires two buccal swabs or 7-10 ml of whole (peripheral) blood, to be sent in an immobilising liquid in a 50ml volume Falcon tube.

Support and training

RGCC provides phone and online support on how to conduct the test and interpret the results. We also provide regular training courses for clinicians in order to familiarise them with the tests.

RGCC will provide you with a transportation container with the following:

1. Two buccal swabs, or
2. Two vials for blood sample (only one is needed, another is provided in case)
3. A cooling bag containing an ice pack
4. A medical form
5. Paperwork required to transport biological samples

If you are sending buccal swabs, these should be placed into the falcon tube, then kept inside the transportation container and stored at room temperature. Please read the instructions available here.

If you are sending venous blood samples, we require 7-10 ml of venous blood. Please discard the first 5ml of blood collected, to reduce the likelihood of contamination.

As soon as the blood sample is taken, place it in the vial, then close the top and roll it gently. Place the vial inside the transportation container. Please ensure that the medical form is completed, signed by a doctor and the patient and enclosed in the package.

How to send your samples to RGCC

Step 1 – Arranging courier collection

Please give us 1-2 days’ notice of the shipment date in order to arrange collection. We will need the following details to arrange collection: your full postal address, including postal or zip code, a contact telephone number and a named contact to pass to the courier.

We usually suggest you do these tests in the morning to allow time for the courier to collect the samples. Please bear in mind that the courier will contact you to inform you of the time of their last daily collection.

The courier we use is DHL Express. If you do not wish to use our courier, please contact us for our courier account number. You will need to supply this to the courier company, so the shipping fees can be charged to RGCC.

Step 2 – Complete paperwork

Complete all the necessary courier documents:

1. A UN3373 biological substance category B commercial invoice (non-European countries only);
2. Enter the description of the shipment as ‘biological substance category B, UN3373’, and record the total value of the shipment as US$1;
3. Please be sure that the label ‘UN3373 diagnostic specimen’ is on the outer wall of the container. These labels are included in the transportation container provided by RGCC;
4. Once the package has been collected by a courier, please email us to inform us that your sample is on its way.

The paperwork will be sent to you once your transportation container is dispatched.

Benefits of SNP analysis:

• It predicts drug activation and deactivation
• Shows the relationship between the SNP and a clinical condition
• It can predict the development of certain diseases (like cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes)
• It shows the preferred response to specific categories of substances