Natera
Horizon carrier screen
Natera Horizon carrier screening blood draw: what is published and what to follow in your kit. Book a mobile draw.
Specimen
Blood
Tubes / kit
Natera supplies the kit. Kits should be stored between 43 and 98 F; room temperature is b…
Processing
No spin. Keep blood at room temperature, never below 43 F or above 98 F. [H1]
Shipping
Courier: confirm with the lab's current kit instructions.
Overview
About this kit
Natera is a genetic testing company that runs the Horizon carrier screen. [H1]
Horizon is a carrier screen that shows whether a person carries gene changes for inherited conditions. Panels range from 4 conditions (SMA, CF, Fragile X, DMD) to 274 conditions, with an optional Tay-Sachs enzyme add-on. [H1][H2] Your provider orders it.
The process
Step by step
- 1
Before the visit
Prep
- Natera does not publish fasting rules; confirm with the lab's current kit instructions.
- 2
The draw
Draw
- Blood is preferred over saliva. [H1]
- Draw one 10 mL lavender-top K2 EDTA tube for any panel combination. [H1]
- If Tay-Sachs enzyme testing is ordered, draw a second 10 mL lavender-top K2 EDTA tube (two total). [H1]
- Inversion count: confirm with the lab's current kit instructions.
- 3
Right after collection
Processing
- No spin. Keep blood at room temperature, never below 43 F or above 98 F. [H1]
- Without Tay-Sachs enzyme, tubes may be refrigerated (above 43 F) for up to 7 days. [H1]
- 4
Get it to the lab
Shipping
- Ship as soon as possible. [H1]
- If Tay-Sachs enzyme testing is ordered, ship the same day. Natera advises not drawing on a day you cannot ship. [H1]
- Courier: confirm with the lab's current kit instructions.
At a glance
Tube and processing details
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Avoid a redraw
Common mistakes
Questions
FAQ
How many tubes?
One 10 mL lavender-top K2 EDTA tube, or two if Tay-Sachs enzyme is ordered. [H1]
Can it be refrigerated?
Yes, above 43 F for up to 7 days, unless Tay-Sachs enzyme is ordered. [H1]
Can saliva be used?
Yes, a 2 mL Oragene kit, but not for Tay-Sachs enzyme. Speedy Sticks performs the blood draw only. [H1]
Ready to have your blood drawn at home?
A certified mobile phlebotomist comes to you and handles the tubes the way your kit requires.
Is your lab or kit missing?
Send us your collection instructions and we will build a guide.