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HelpTest ID LDLM Familial Hypercholesterolemia, LDLR Large Deletion/Duplication, Molecular Analysis
Useful For
Aiding in the diagnosis of familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) in individuals with elevated untreated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol
Distinguishing the diagnosis of FH from other causes of hyperlipidemia, such as familial defective ApoB-100 and familial combined hyperlipidemia
Comprehensive LDL receptor genetic analysis for suspect FH individuals who test negative for an LDLR point variant by sequencing (LDLRS / Familial Hypercholesterolemia, LDLR Full Gene Sequencing)
Special Instructions
Method Name
Dosage Analysis by Multiplex Ligation-Dependent Probe Amplification (MLPA)
Reporting Name
LDLR Large Del/DupSpecimen Type
Whole Blood EDTAMultiple cardiovascular-related gene sequencing tests can be performed on a single specimen after a single extraction. See Multiple Cardiovascular-Related Gene Sequencing Tests in Special Instructions for a list of tests that can be ordered together.
Container/Tube: Lavender top (EDTA)
Specimen Volume: 3 mL
Collection Instructions: Send specimen in original tube.
Additional Information: Include physician name and phone number with the specimen.
Forms:
1. Familial/Autosomal Dominant Hypercholesterolemia Patient Information (T637) is required 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 (Supply T576) is available in Special Instructions.
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Whole Blood EDTA | Ambient (preferred) | |
| Refrigerated | ||
Clinical Information
Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an autosomal dominant disorder that is characterized by high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and associated with premature cardiovascular disease and myocardial infarction. FH is caused by variants in the LDLR gene, which encodes for the LDL receptor. Variants in LDLR impair the ability of the LDL receptor to remove LDL cholesterol from plasma via receptor-mediated endocytosis, leading to elevated levels of plasma LDL cholesterol and subsequent deposition in the skin and tendons (xanthomas) and arteries (atheromas).
FH can occur in either the heterozygous or homozygous state, with 1 or 2 variant LDLR alleles, respectively. In general, FH heterozygotes have 2-fold elevations in plasma cholesterol and develop coronary atherosclerosis after the age of 30. Homozygous FH individuals have severe hypercholesterolemia (generally >650 mg/dL) with the presence of cutaneous xanthomas prior to 4 years of age, childhood coronary heart disease, and death from myocardial infarction prior to 20 years of age. Heterozygous FH is prevalent in many different populations, with an approximate average incidence of 1 in 500 individuals, but as high as 1 in 67 to 1 in 100 individuals in some populations in South Africa and 1 in 270 in the French Canadian population. Homozygous FH occurs at a frequency of approximately 1 in 1,000,000.
Treatment for FH is aimed at lowering the plasma level of LDL and increasing LDL receptor activity. Identification of LDLR variant(s) in individuals suspected of having FH helps to determine appropriate treatment. FH heterozygotes are often treated with 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl CoA reductase inhibitors (ie, statins), either in monotherapy or in combination with other drugs such as nicotinic acid and inhibitors of intestinal cholesterol absorption. Such drugs are generally not effective in FH homozygotes, and treatment in this population may consist of LDL apheresis, portacaval anastomosis, and liver transplantation.
The LDLR gene maps to chromosome 19p13 and consists of 18 exons spanning 45 kb. Hundreds of variants have been identified in the LDLR gene, the majority of them occurring in the ligand binding and epidermal growth factor (EGF) precursor homology regions in the 5' region of the gene (type II and III variants, respectively). Although most FH-causing variants are small (eg, point variants), approximately 10% to15% of variants in the LDLR gene are large rearrangements such as exonic deletions and duplications, which are not amenable to sequencing (eg, LDLRS / Familial Hypercholesterolemia, LDLR Full Gene Sequencing) but can be detected by this MLPA assay.
Reference Values
An interpretive report will be provided.
Cautions
Blood samples may contain donor DNA if obtained from patients who received heterologous blood transfusions or allogeneic blood or marrow transplantation. Results from samples obtained under these circumstances may not accurately reflect the recipient's genotype. For individuals who have received blood transfusions, the genotype usually reverts to that of the recipient within 6 weeks. For individuals who have received allogeneic blood or marrow transplantation, a pretransplant DNA specimen is recommended for testing.
Absence of a variant does not preclude the diagnosis of familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) unless a specific variant has already been identified in an affected family member.
In the event of negative results by this technique, LDLR sequencing (LDLRS / Familial Hypercholesterolemia, LDLR Full Gene Sequencing) should be considered to rule out point variants and small deletions/duplications.
In addition to disease-related probes, the multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification technique utilizes probes localized to other chromosomal regions as internal controls. In certain circumstances, these control probes may detect other diseases or conditions for which this test was not specifically intended. Results of the control probes are not normally reported. However, in cases where clinically relevant information is identified, the ordering physician will be informed of the result and provided with recommendations for any appropriate follow-up testing.
Day(s) Performed
Varies
Report Available
5 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
81405-LDLR (low density lipoprotein receptor) (eg, familial hypercholesterolemia), duplication/deletion analysis