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HelpTest ID HAD Huntington Disease, Molecular Analysis
Useful For
Molecular confirmation of clinically suspected cases of Huntington disease (HD)
Presymptomatic testing for individuals with a family history of HD and a documented expansion in the HTT gene
Special Instructions
Method Name
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
(PCR is utilized pursuant to a license agreement with Roche Molecular Systems, Inc.)
Reporting Name
Huntington Disease AnalysisSpecimen Type
VariesSpecimen 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.
Additional Information: Specimen preferred to arrive within 96 hours of draw.
Forms:
1. 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.
2. Molecular Genetics: Congenital Inherited Diseases Patient Information (T521) in Special Instructions
3. If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Neurology Test Request Form-General (T732) with the specimen (http://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/it-mmfiles/neurology-request-form.pdf)
Specimen Minimum Volume
1 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Varies | Ambient (preferred) | |
| Frozen | ||
| Refrigerated | ||
Clinical Information
Huntington disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant progressive neurodegenerative disorder caused by a CAG repeat expansion in the HTT gene. HD is associated with cognitive impairment leading to dementia and a wide range of neuropsychiatric problems including apathy, depression, anxiety, and other behavioral disturbances. Additionally, affected individuals typically develop extrapyramidal symptoms (eg, dystonia, dysarthria, chorea, gait disturbance, postural instability, oculomotor dysfunction).
Reference Values
Normal alleles: <27 CAG repeats
Intermediate alleles: 27-35 CAG repeats
Reduced penetrance: 36-39 CAG repeats
Full penetrance: >39 CAG repeats
An interpretive report will be provided.
Cautions
We strongly recommend that patients undergoing predictive testing receive genetic counseling both prior to testing and after results are available.
Predictive testing of an asymptomatic child is not recommended.
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.
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.
Day(s) Performed
Tuesday, 10 am
Specimens received Tuesday through Saturday will be processed for the run starting on following Tuesday. Specimens received on Monday will be set up a week from the following Tuesday.
Report Available
4 days upon receipt of sufficient clinical information for testing.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
81401-HTT (huntingtin) (eg, Huntington disease), evaluation to detect abnormal (eg, expanded) alleles