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HelpTest ID VLCZ Very Long Chain Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenase Deficiency, Full Gene Analysis
Useful For
Confirmation of a diagnosis of very long chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (VLCAD) deficiency
Carrier screening in cases where there is a family history of VLCAD deficiency, but an affected individual is not available for testing or disease-causing mutations have not been identified
Special Instructions
Method Name
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)/DNA Sequencing Analysis
(PCR is utilized pursuant to a license agreement with Roche Molecular Systems, Inc.)
Reporting Name
VLCAD Deficiency 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: Lavender top (EDTA) or yellow top (ACD)
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: 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 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 Minimum Volume
Blood: 1 mL/Blood Spots: 5 punches, 3-mm diameter
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Varies | Varies | |
Clinical Information
Very long chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (VLCAD) deficiency is an autosomal recessive disorder of mitochondrial fatty acid beta-oxidation. Mitochondrial beta-oxidation plays a major role in energy production and VLCAD catalyzes the first step in the breakdown of fatty acids that are 14 to 20 carbons long.
VLCAD deficiency has a reported incidence of approximately 1 in 30,000 births and has a variable age of onset that is generally classified into 3 categories. Individuals with the early-onset type present with cardiomyopathy, hypotonia, and hepatomegaly in the first months of life; sudden death is also frequent. Individuals with the early-childhood onset type typically present with hypoketotic hypoglycemia and hepatomegaly without cardiomyopathy. Individuals with the late-onset type of VLCAD deficiency generally present after childhood with intermittent rhabdomyolysis and muscle dysfunction that often manifests as muscle cramps and exercise intolerance.
Review of clinical features and biochemical analysis via plasma acylcarnitines, plasma fatty acid profile, urine organic acids, and fibroblast fatty acid oxidation probe studies are recommended as laboratory evaluations for VLCAD deficiency. Plasma and urine biochemical testing are not reliable for identifying all individuals with VLCAD deficiency or confirming carrier status, as biochemical findings may normalize during periods of good metabolic control. It is uncertain whether skin fibroblast analysis can identify carriers of VLCAD deficiency. The diagnosis is confirmed by molecular testing.
Mutations in the ACADVL gene are responsible for VLCAD deficiency. Most mutations are family specific with the exception of the V283A mutation (also reported in the literature as V243A). This mutation is estimated to account for 20% of pathogenic alleles in patients identified by newborn screening. When this test is ordered, results of biochemical assays should be included with the specimen as they are necessary for accurate interpretation of the VLCAD sequence analysis.
Reference Values
An interpretive report will be provided.
Cautions
A small percentage of individuals who are carriers or have a diagnosis of very long chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (VLCAD) deficiency 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 VLCAD deficiency. For carrier testing, it is important to first document the presence of an ACADVL 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.
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
81406-ACADV (acyl-CoA dehydrogenase, very long chain) (eg, very long chain acyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase deficiency), full gene sequence