Test ID CACTZ Carnitine-Acylcarnitine Translocase Deficiency, Full Gene Analysis
Useful For
Confirmation of diagnosis of carnitine-acylcarnitine translocase (CACT) deficiency
Carrier screening in cases where there is a family history of CACT deficiency, but disease-causing mutations have not been identified in an affected individual
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 changed separately.
Special Instructions
Method Name
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Followed by DNA Sequence Analysis
(PCR is utilized pursuant to a license agreement with Roche Molecular Systems, Inc.)
Reporting Name
SLC25A20 Gene, Full Gene AnalysisSpecimen Type
VariesForms:
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
Specimen Type: Blood spot
Container/Tube:
Preferred: Collection card (Whatman Protein Saver 903 Paper)
Acceptable: Ahlstrom 226 filter paper, Blood Spot Collection Card (T493)
Specimen Volume: 2 to 5 Blood Spots on collection card (Whatman Protein Saver 903 Paper; Ahlstrom 226 filter paper; or Blood Spot Collection Card, T493)
Collection Instructions:
1. An alternative blood collection option for a patient >1 year of age is finger stick.
2. Let blood dry on the filter paper at ambient temperature in a horizontal position for 3 hours.
3. Do not expose specimen to heat or direct sunlight.
4. Do not stack wet specimens.
5. Keep specimen dry.
Specimen Stability Information: Ambient (preferred)/Refrigerated
Specimen Minimum Volume
Blood: 1 mL; Blood Spots: 5 punches, 3-mm diameter
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
---|---|---|
Varies | Varies |
Clinical Information
Carnitine-acylcarnitine translocase (CACT) deficiency is a rare autosomal recessive disorder of fatty acid oxidation. The disease typically presents in the neonatal period with severe hypoketotic hypoglycemia, hyperammonemia, cardiac abnormalities, hepatic dysfunction, skeletal muscle weakness, encephalopathy, and early death. However, presentations at a later age with a milder phenotype have also been reported.
Initial screening can be done with plasma acylcarnitines. Definitive diagnosis can be made by detection of reduced CACT enzyme activity. Mutations in the SLC25A20 gene are responsible for CACT deficiency, and sequencing of this gene is recommended after positive biochemical analysis.
Reference Values
An interpretive report will be provided.
Cautions
A small percentage of individuals who are carriers or have a diagnosis of carnitine-acylcarnitine translocase (CACT) deficiency may have a mutation that is not identified by this method (eg, promoter and deep intronic mutations). The absence of a mutation, therefore, does not eliminate the possibility of positive carrier status or the diagnosis of CACT deficiency.
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 and biochemical 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 daysPerforming Laboratory

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
81405 SLC25A20 (solute carrier family 25 [carnitine/acylcarnitine translocase], member 20) (eg, carnitine- acylcarnitine translocase deficiency), full gene sequence
Fibroblast Culture for Genetic Test
88233-Tissue culture, skin or solid tissue biopsy (if appropriate)
88240-Cryopreservation (if appropriate)