Test ID XALDZ X-Linked Adrenoleukodystrophy, Full Gene Analysis
Useful For
Confirming a diagnosis of X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy
Identifying a mutation in the ABCD1 gene
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
X-ALD, 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.
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 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
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
X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) is a peroxisomal disease characterized by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in the white matter, adrenocortical insufficiency, and abnormal plasma concentrations of very long chain fatty acids. The phenotypic expression of X-ALD varies widely. The phenotypes can be subdivided into 3 main categories: childhood cerebral form, adrenomyeloneuropathy (AMN), and Addison disease only. The childhood cerebral form has onset of symptoms between ages 4 and 8, beginning with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder-like symptoms with progressive cognitive, behavior, vision, hearing, and motor deterioration. AMN usually presents in males in their late twenties as progressive paraparesis, sexual dysfunction, sphincter disturbances, and abnormalities in adrenocortical function. The Addison only phenotype typically presents by age 7.5 with adrenocortical insufficiency without significant neurological involvement. Most of these patients eventually develop AMN. Some female carriers may experience mild AMN symptoms with a later age of onset.
The phenotype cannot be predicted by very long chain fatty acids (VLCFA) plasma concentration or by the nature of the mutation. The same mutation can be associated with each of the known phenotypes. Different phenotypes often occur within a family.
POX / Fatty Acid Profile, Peroxisomal (C22-C26), Serum testing is the preferred first-tier screening method for X-ALD. This is abnormal in 99% of affected males and 85% of carrier females. Sequencing of the ABCD1 gene is available to confirm the diagnosis of X-ALD, improve carrier detection, and assist with prenatal diagnosis.
Reference Values
An interpretive report will be provided.
Cautions
A small percentage of individuals who have a diagnosis of X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) may have a mutation that is not identified by this method (eg, large deletions/duplications, promoter mutations, deep intronic alterations). The absence of mutations, therefore, does not eliminate the possibility of the diagnosis of X-ALD. For testing asymptomatic individuals it is important to first document the presence of an ABCD1 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 or 507-266-5700 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

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-ABCD1 (ATP-binding cassette, sub-family D [ALD] member 1) (eg, adrenoleukodystrophy) full gene sequence
Fibroblast Culture for Genetic Test
88233-Tissue culture, skin or solid tissue biopsy (if appropriate)
88240-Cryopreservation (if appropriate)