Order a Test

Straightforward ordering process to access OncoForma's organoid testing for your patients

Patient Eligibility

OncoForma testing is appropriate for patients with solid tumors who meet the following criteria:

How to Order

OncoForma offers three convenient ordering methods:

Option 1: Online Portal (Recommended)

1. Create Account: Register at portal.oncoforma.com using your medical license number
2. Complete Test Requisition: Enter patient demographics, diagnosis, prior treatments, and clinical question
3. Obtain Patient Consent: Download and complete informed consent form with patient signature
4. Coordinate Sample Collection: Schedule biopsy or surgical procedure; coordinate with pathology
5. Ship Sample: Use provided shipping kit with prepaid overnight label

Option 2: Phone/Fax Ordering

Option 3: Clinical Liaison Support

For complex cases or institutions interested in establishing an ongoing relationship, request a dedicated clinical liaison who will:

• Assist with patient selection and eligibility determination
• Coordinate directly with pathology and surgery for sample collection
• Manage shipping logistics and track sample in real-time
• Provide results consultation and treatment interpretation

Contact us at clinical@oncoforma.com to request a liaison.

Sample Requirements

Acceptable Sample Types

Sample Type	Minimum Requirement	Preferred Amount	Notes
Core Needle Biopsy	2-3 cores (18-16 gauge)	4-6 cores	Most common sample type; ensure adequate tumor cellularity
Surgical Resection	3-5mm³ fresh tumor	5-10mm³	Ideal for organoid culture; coordinate with pathology to ensure diagnostic needs met first
Malignant Pleural Effusion	50-100 mL	100-200 mL	Cytology must confirm malignant cells
Malignant Ascites	50-100 mL	100-200 mL	Cytology must confirm malignant cells
Fine Needle Aspirate (FNA)	Contact lab first	N/A	Generally insufficient; discuss with OncoForma team for specific scenarios

Sample Collection Guidelines

Pathology Coordination

To ensure adequate tissue for both diagnostic pathology and organoid testing:

1. Inform Pathology: Notify pathology team in advance that additional fresh tissue is needed for OncoForma testing
2. Diagnostic Priority: Pathologist should allocate tissue for diagnosis FIRST, then provide remaining viable tumor for research
3. Tumor Assessment: Request pathologist to visually identify tumor-rich areas and select samples with ≥30% tumor cellularity
4. Rapid Processing: Coordinate to minimize time between sample collection and placement in transport medium

Shipping Instructions

Shipping Kit Contents

OncoForma provides a complimentary shipping kit containing:

• Sterile specimen container with transport medium
• Absorbent packaging materials
• Pre-labeled insulated shipping box
• Prepaid overnight shipping label (FedEx Priority Overnight)
• Step-by-step shipping instructions

Shipping Protocol

1. Place fresh tumor specimen in provided sterile container with transport medium
2. Seal container and place in absorbent pouch
3. Place pouch in insulated shipping box (no ice packs required - room temperature shipping)
4. Affix prepaid overnight label to box
5. Call FedEx for pickup or drop at FedEx location for same-day shipping
6. Email tracking number to samples@oncoforma.com

Turnaround Time

Milestone	Standard Turnaround	Expedited Turnaround*
Sample Receipt to Culture Initiation	24-48 hours	24 hours
Organoid Establishment & QC	10-14 days	7-10 days
Drug Screening & Analysis	7-10 days	5-7 days
Total: Sample to Report	21-25 days	14-18 days

*Expedited processing available for urgent clinical scenarios upon request. Additional fees may apply.

Billing & Insurance

Current Billing Status

OncoForma testing is currently available as a laboratory-developed test (LDT) and is in the process of seeking insurance coverage. The following billing options are available:

Insurance Coverage (In Progress)

OncoForma is actively working with payers to establish coverage policies. Current status:

• Medicare: Coverage determination in progress; anticipate MolDX policy review in 2025
• Private Insurance: Case-by-case prior authorization support available
• Single Case Agreements: Our reimbursement team can work with individual insurers for coverage on a case-by-case basis

Results Delivery & Consultation

Report Contents

OncoForma delivers a comprehensive report including:

• Patient demographics and sample information
• Organoid quality control metrics and culture success confirmation
• Drug sensitivity results for 25-50 tested therapies, categorized as Sensitive, Moderate, or Resistant
• Dose-response curves and IC50 values for each tested drug
• Combination therapy synergy analysis
• Clinical interpretation and treatment recommendations from oncology-trained medical team
• References to relevant clinical guidelines and published studies

Report Delivery Methods

• Secure Online Portal: Access report immediately upon release via HIPAA-compliant portal
• Electronic Fax: Report automatically faxed to number provided at time of order
• EHR Integration: Direct integration available for select EHR systems (Epic, Cerner)

Results Consultation

Every OncoForma report includes complimentary consultation with our medical team:

• Standard Consultation: 15-20 minute phone consultation to discuss results and treatment implications
• Tumor Board Presentation: OncoForma team available to present case at institutional tumor boards (virtual or in-person)
• Ongoing Support: Continued access to medical team as treatment evolves and questions arise

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order a test before the sample is collected?

Yes! We recommend ordering in advance so the shipping kit arrives before your patient's procedure. This ensures no delays in sample shipping.

What if the organoids fail to grow?

While our success rate is 75-85%, some samples do not yield viable organoids. In these cases:

• We will notify you within 7-10 days if culture fails
• No charge is incurred for failed cultures
• We can attempt culture from a second sample if available
• Refund or credit issued if payment was already made

Can I send archived/frozen tissue?

No. Organoid culture requires fresh, viable tumor cells. Frozen or formalin-fixed tissue cannot be used. However, we can sometimes culture organoids from fresh tissue obtained at the time of surgical resection even if primary diagnosis was made from archived tissue.

How do I handle time-sensitive treatment decisions?

For patients requiring immediate treatment initiation, we recommend:

• Starting first-line standard-of-care therapy while awaiting organoid results
• Using results to guide second-line treatment selection if progression occurs
• Requesting expedited processing (14-18 days) when clinically appropriate

Can results change over time or with treatment?

Yes. Tumor biology can evolve with treatment, and acquired resistance mechanisms may develop. For patients on prolonged therapy or those with disease progression, repeat organoid testing from a new biopsy may provide updated drug sensitivity information.