How much blood do I need to draw for genetic testing? 
8 - 10 cc of EDTA whole blood is required for genetic here at the MORL.  If your patient is an infant or a very young child please contact us by e-mail or by telephone at 319-335-6623 for guidance.

Is MORL able to accept samples on the weekend?
No, the Shipping and Receiving Dept of the University of Iowa handles all of our package/mail receipt and they are closed on Saturday and Sunday.  If you draw a sample on a Friday, please hold the sample until Monday and then ship it out.  Frozen serum and plasma samples must be kept in a -80 freezer and then shipped overnight on the following Monday on at least 5 pounds of dry ice.  Whole blood samples should be refrigerated until Monday and then sent on a cool pack.

What is the cost and CPT codes for genetic testing? Is the price the same for all genes tested?
While we are a not-for-profit lab we must charge for testing to cover the cost of materials and staff salaries. We have the lowest rates in the country and as each gene tested requires special handling the cost varies. A complete list of genes we test with the CPT codes and costs are on our testing menu. Check back frequently as new genes or tests may be added to the list.

What is the cost of familial testing? Is the price the same for all genes tested?
The price for familial testing is $220 per person per gene. This means if you have a patient with two variants in one gene and you would like to test a parent or sibling the cost would be $220.  If you have a patient with variants in two different genes and would like to test a parent or sibling the cost would be $440.

If my insurance company requires a "Superbill" before they will reimburse me for testing what do I do?
If you have pre-paid for testing using your credit card and your insurance company is requiring a superbill you will need to contact your physician. A superbill will show your name, address, phone number, social security number, doctor's name, and contact information as well as their physician's license number, NPI number and tax ID number. The superbill will also show your diagnosis, treatment rendered to you, cost of treatment, amount you paid, a release of authorization statement, your signature and your doctor’s signature. As we do not have access to any of the above information we can only supply the testing invoice and credit card receipt.

Do you supply the kit needed to collect saliva or blood for testing?
No, the lab or doctor's office you visit to have your blood drawn or saliva collected will supply the kit. If you have any questions or problems please contact the MORL Admin team at morl@uiowa.edu or by telephone at 319-335-6623.

Do you give referrals for blood or saliva collection? Where should I go to have it done?
We do not partner with any laboratories. In order to get a referral for blood draw or saliva collection you will need to ask your physician.

Who do I contact if I have questions about my testing?
If you have any questions we would be happy to answer them for you. Please call us at 319-335-6623.

Who do I contact if I have questions or concerns about this laboratory?
If you have any questions or concerns about this laboratory please feel free to contact the Laboratory Director, Dr. Richard Smith at 319-356-3612. You can also contact the Operations Manager, Jori Hendon at 319-335-6653 or Administrative Assistant, Amy Weaver at 319-335-6623. If you would like to contact the Center for Medicaid and State Operations/Survey and Certification Group please see this brochure

If I am interested in being part of any of the genetic studies being performed at the Molecular Otolaryngology & Renal Research Laboratories what do I do?
If you are interested in being a part of our hearing loss or kidney disease studies please contact Amy Weaver directly at amy-weaver@uiowa.edu or 319-335-6623.