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Test ID APPAN Acute Porphyria, Multi-Gene Panel

Useful For

Confirmation of acute porphyria for patients with clinical features of the disease

Reflex Tests

Test ID Reporting Name Available Separately Always Performed
CULFB Fibroblast Culture for Genetic Test Yes No

Testing Algorithm

If skin biopsy is received, fibroblast culture for genetic test will be added and charged separately.

Method Name

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Amplification/DNA Sequencing

(PCR is utilized pursuant to a license agreement with Roche Molecular Systems, Inc.)

Reporting Name

Acute Porphyria, Multi-Gene Panel

Specimen Type

Varies

Forms:

1. Molecular Genetics: Biochemical Disorders Patient Information (T527) in Special Instructions

2. New York Clients-Informed consent is required. Please document on the request form or electronic order that a copy is on file. An Informed Consent for Genetic Testing (T576) is available in Special Instructions.

 

Specimen preferred to arrive within 96 hours of collection.

 

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

 

Preferred:

Specimen Type: Whole blood

Container/Tube:

Preferred: Lavender top (EDTA) or yellow top (ACD)

Acceptable: Any anticoagulant

Specimen Volume: 3 mL

Collection Instructions:

1. Invert several times to mix blood.

2. Send specimen in original tube.

Specimen Stability Information: Ambient (preferred)/Refrigerated

 

Specimen Type: Cultured fibroblasts

Container/Tube: T-75 or T-25 flask        

Specimen Volume: 1 Full T-75 or 2 full T-25 flasks

Specimen Stability Information: Ambient (preferred)/Refrigerated <24 hours

 

Specimen Type: Skin biopsy

Container/Tube: Sterile container with any standard cell culture media (eg, minimal essential media, RPMI 1640). The solution should be supplemented with 1% penicillin and streptomycin. Tubes can be supplied upon request (Eagle's minimum essential medium with 1% penicillin and streptomycin [T115]).

Specimen Volume: 4-mm punch      

Specimen Stability Information: Refrigerated (preferred)/Ambient

                                                                       

Acceptable:

Specimen Type: Blood spot

Container/Tube: Whatman Protein Saver 903 Paper

Specimen Volume: 5 blood spots

Collection Instructions:

1. Let blood dry on the filter paper at ambient temperature in a horizontal position for 3 hours.

2. Do not expose specimen to heat or direct sunlight.

3. Do not stack wet specimens.

4. Keep specimen dry.

Specimen Stability Information: Ambient (preferred)/Refrigerated

Specimen Minimum Volume

Blood: 1 mL/Blood Spots: 3

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time
Varies Varies

Clinical Information

Acute porphyria is caused by autosomal dominant mutations in 1 of 3 genes: HMBS, associated with acute intermittent porphyria (AIP); CPOX, associated with hereditary coproporphyria (HCP); and PPOX, associated with variegate porphyria (VP). Mutations in these genes show incomplete penetrance, and patients with a confirmed deleterious mutation may be asymptomatic.

 

Clinical manifestations of acute porphyria include attacks of neurologic dysfunction, commonly characterized as abdominal pain. However, these acute attacks are variable and can include vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, urinary retention, acute episodes of neuropathic symptoms, psychiatric symptoms, seizures, respiratory paralysis, tachycardia, and hypertension. Respiratory paralysis can progress to coma and death.

 

HCP and VP are also associated with cutaneous manifestations, including edema, sun-induced erythema, acute painful photodermatitis, and urticaria. In some cases, patients present with isolated photosensitivity.

 

Acute attacks may be prevented by avoiding both endogenous and exogenous triggers. These triggers include porphyrogenic drugs, hormonal contraceptives, fasting, alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis.

 

Fecal porphyrins analysis and quantitative urinary porphyrins analysis are helpful in establishing a diagnosis of acute porphyria.

Reference Values

An interpretive report will be provided.

Cautions

A small percentage of individuals who have a diagnosis of acute porphyria may have a mutation that is not identified by this method (eg, large genomic deletions, promoter mutations). The absence of a mutation, therefore, does not eliminate the possibility of positive carrier status or the diagnosis of acute porphyria.

 

In some cases, DNA alterations of undetermined significance may be identified.

 

Rare polymorphisms exist that could lead to false-negative or false-positive results. If results obtained do not match the clinical findings, additional testing should be considered.

 

A previous bone marrow transplant from an allogenic donor will interfere with testing. Call Mayo Medical Laboratories for instructions for testing patients who have received a bone marrow transplant.   

 

Test results should be interpreted in the context of clinical findings, family history, and other laboratory data. Errors in our interpretation of results may occur if information given is inaccurate or incomplete.

Day(s) Performed

Performed weekly, varies

Report Available

14 days

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Medical Laboratories in Rochester

Test Classification

This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. This test has not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

CPT Code Information

81479-Unlisted molecular pathology procedure

Fibroblast Culture for Genetic Testing

88233-Tissue culture, skin or solid tissue biopsy (if appropriate)

88240-Cryopreservation (if appropriate)

NY State Approved

Conditional