Test ID CPOXZ CPOX Gene, Full Gene Analysis
Useful For
Confirmation of hereditary coproporphyria (HCP) for patients with clinical features
This test should be ordered only for individuals with symptoms suggestive of HCP. Asymptomatic patients with a family history of HCP should not be tested until a mutation has been identified in an affected family member.
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.
Special Instructions
Method Name
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Amplification/DNA Sequencing
(PCR is utilized pursuant to a license agreement with Roche Molecular Systems, Inc.)
Reporting Name
CPOX Gene, Full Gene AnalysisSpecimen Type
VariesForms:
1. Molecular Genetics: Biochemical Disorders Patient Information (T527).
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 (Supply 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 [Supply 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
Hereditary coproporphyria (HCP) is an autosomal dominant (AD) acute hepatic porphyria that presents with clinical 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 is also associated with cutaneous manifestations, including edema, sun-induced erythema, acute painful photodermatitis, and urticaria. In some cases, patients present with isolated photosensitivity.
HCP is caused by AD mutations in the CPOX gene. Mutations may have incomplete penetrance. Homozygous mutations in CPOX have been reported in association with a more severe, phenotypically distinct condition called harderoporphyria that is characterized by neonatal hemolytic anemia with mild residual anemia during childhood and adulthood. Affected patients may also present with skin lesions and fecal harderoporphyin accumulation may be observed. This condition is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern and all patients identified to date have been heterozygous or homozygous for the K404E mutation.
For HCP, 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 distinguishing HCP from other forms of acute porphyria.
Reference Values
An interpretive report will be provided.
Cautions
A small percentage of individuals who are carriers, or have a diagnosis of, hereditary coproporphyria (HCP) 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 variegate porphyria. For carrier testing, it is important to first document the presence of a CPOX gene mutation in an affected family member.
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.
Mutations in other genes, such as PPOX and HMBS have been shown to cause other forms of porphyrias. Abnormalities in these genes are not detected by this assay.
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
81479-Unlisted molecular pathology procedure
Fibroblast Culture for Genetic Test
88233-Tissue culture, skin or solid tissue biopsy (if appropriate)
88240-Cryopreservation (if appropriate)