Order Code COMTQ Catechol-O-Methyltransferase (COMT) Genotype, Varies
Ordering Guidance
This test should not be ordered for pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma assessment. Instead, order 1 of the following:
-METAF / Metanephrines, Fractionated, 24 Hour, Urine
-PMET / Metanephrines, Fractionated, Free, Plasma
-CATU / Catecholamine Fractionation, Free, 24 Hour, Urine
-CATP / Catecholamine Fractionation, Free, Plasma
Testing is available as the single gene assay (this test) and as a part of a psychotropic pharmacogenomics panel.
If genotype testing for psychotropic medications is desired, order PSYQP / Psychotropic Pharmacogenomics Gene Panel, Varies.
Specimen Required
Multiple genotype tests can be performed on a single specimen after a single extraction. See Multiple Genotype Test List for a list of tests that can be ordered together.
Submit only 1 of the following specimens:
Specimen Type: Whole blood
Container/Tube: Lavender top (EDTA)
Specimen Volume: 3 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Invert several times to mix blood.
2. Send whole blood specimen in original tube. Do not aliquot.
Specimen Stability Information: Ambient (preferred) 4 days/Refrigerated 4 days/Frozen 4 days
Additional Information:
1. Specimens are preferred to be received within 4 days of collection. Extraction will be attempted for specimens received after 4 days, and DNA yield will be evaluated to determine if testing may proceed.
2. To ensure minimum volume and concentration of DNA is met, the requested volume must be submitted. Testing may be canceled if DNA requirements are inadequate.
Specimen Type: Saliva
Patient Preparation: Patient should not eat, drink, smoke, or chew gum 30 minutes prior to collection.
Supplies: Saliva Swab Collection Kit (T786)
Specimen Volume: 1 Swab
Collection Instructions: Collect and send specimen per kit instructions.
Specimen Stability Information: Ambient (preferred) 30 days/Refrigerated 30 days
Additional information: Saliva specimens are acceptable but not recommended. Due to lower quantity/quality of DNA yielded from saliva, some aspects of the test may not perform as well as DNA extracted from a whole blood sample. When applicable, specific gene regions that were unable to be interrogated will be noted in the report. Alternatively, additional specimen may be required to complete testing.
Specimen Type: Extracted DNA
Container/Tube:
Preferred: Screw Cap Micro Tube, 2 mL with skirted conical base
Acceptable: Matrix tube, 1 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. The preferred volume is at least 100 mcL at a concentration of 75 ng/mcL.
2. Include concentration and volume on tube.
Specimen Stability Information: Frozen (preferred) 1 year/Ambient/Refrigerated
Additional Information: DNA must be extracted in a CLIA-certified laboratory or equivalent and must be extracted from a specimen type listed as acceptable for this test (including applicable anticoagulants). Our laboratory has experience with Chemagic, Puregene, Autopure, MagnaPure, and EZ1 extraction platforms and cannot guarantee that all extraction methods are compatible with this test. If testing fails, one repeat will be attempted, and if unsuccessful, the test will be reported as failed, and a charge will be applied. If applicable, specific gene regions that were unable to be interrogated due to DNA quality will be noted in the report.
Forms
1. New York Clients-Informed consent is required. Document on the request form or electronic order that a copy is on file. The following documents are available:
-Informed Consent for Genetic Testing (T576)
-Informed Consent for Genetic Testing-Spanish (T826)
2. If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send 1 of the following forms with the specimen:
-Neurology Specialty Testing Client Test Request (T732)
-Therapeutics Test Request (T831)
Useful For
Prediction of response to nicotine replacement therapy for smoking cessation
Investigation of inhibitor dosing for decreasing levodopa metabolism
Research use for assessing estrogen metabolism
Special Instructions
Method Name
Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) with Allelic Discrimination Analysis
Reporting Name
COMT Genotype, VSpecimen Type
VariesSpecimen Minimum Volume
See Specimen Required
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
---|---|---|
Varies | Varies |
Reject Due To
All specimens will be evaluated at Mayo Clinic Laboratories for test suitabilityReference Values
An interpretive report will be provided.
Method Description
Genomic DNA is extracted from whole blood or saliva. Genotyping for COMT alleles is performed using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based 5'-nuclease assay. Fluorescently labeled detection probes anneal to the target DNA. PCR is used to amplify the section of DNA that contains the variant. If the detection probe is an exact match to the target DNA, the 5'-nuclease polymerase degrades the probe, the reporter dye is released from the effects of the quencher dye, and a fluorescent signal is detected. Genotypes are assigned based on the allele-specific fluorescent signals that are detected.(Unpublished Mayo method)
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Friday
Performing Laboratory

CPT Code Information
0032U