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HelpTest ID GFDZ FTCD Gene, Full Gene Analysis
Useful For
Second-tier test for confirming glutamate formiminotransferase deficiency (indicated by biochemical testing or newborn screening)
Ruling out other diseases associated with high levels of urine formiminoglutamate
Carrier screening in cases where there is a family history of glutamate formiminotransferase 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 charged 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
FTCD Gene, Full Gene AnalysisSpecimen Type
VariesForms:
1. Molecular Genetics: Congenital Inherited Diseases Patient Information (T521) 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 flask 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, or 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
Glutamate formiminotransferase deficiency is an autosomal recessive inborn error of folate and histidine metabolism caused by a deficiency of the enzyme, glutamate formiminotransferase-cyclodeaminase, which is encoded at the FTCD loci on chromosome 21q22.3. Glutamate formiminotransferase deficiency presents as a clinical spectrum that ranges from asymptomatic to severe. Individuals with the severe form of disease are reported to have mental and physical retardation and anemia, whereas the mild form is associated with a lesser degree of developmental delay. Of note, the association of the enzyme deficiency with mental retardation has been disputed in the literature.
An elevated amount of urine formiminoglutamate (FIGLU) is a cardinal sign of glutamate formiminotransferase deficiency for both the severe and mild clinical phenotypes. However, higher levels of urine FIGLU are observed in patients with milder forms of the disease and these levels occur in the absence of histidine loading; whereas the presence of FIGLU in the urine is typically only observed in severe cases after L-histidine administration. In addition, the severe form of disease is associated with elevated serum folate levels, whereas the milder form of disease is not.
As there are discrepancies in FIGLU and serum folate levels among affected individuals, confirmation of suspected cases of glutamate formiminotransferase deficiency may require a liver biopsy for enzymology or the identification of 2 disease-causing mutations in the FTCD gene. Identification of 2 FTCD mutations establishes a molecular diagnosis of glutamate formiminotransferase deficiency, and rules out other diseases associated with high levels of urine FIGLU, such as folate or methylcobalamin deficiencies. Evaluation of the FTCD gene by molecular genetic testing is recommended as a second-tier test subsequent to a positive newborn screen or biochemical test.
Reference Values
An interpretive report will be provided.
Cautions
A small percentage of individuals who are carriers or have a diagnosis of glutamate formiminotransferase deficiency may have a mutation that is not identified by this method (eg, large genomic deletions, promoter mutations). The absence of a mutation(s), therefore, does not eliminate the possibility of positive carrier status or the diagnosis of glutamate formiminotransferase deficiency. For carrier testing, it is important to first document the presence of a FTCD 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 at 800-533-1710 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
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 Test
88233-Tissue culture, skin or solid tissue biopsy (if appropriate)
88240-Cryopreservation (if appropriate)