Order Code FFRWB Friedreich Ataxia, Frataxin, Quantitative, Blood
Reporting Name
Frataxin, Quant, WBUseful For
Diagnosing individuals with Friedreich ataxia in whole blood specimens
Monitoring frataxin levels in patients with Friedreich ataxia
This test is not useful for carrier detection.
Performing Laboratory

Specimen Type
Whole bloodNecessary Information
Provide a reason for testing with each specimen.
Specimen Required
Collection Container/Tube:
Preferred: Lavender top (EDTA)
Acceptable: Green top (sodium or lithium heparin)
Specimen Volume: 2 mL
Collection Instructions: Send whole blood specimen in original tube. Do not aliquot.
Specimen Minimum Volume
1.25 mL
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
---|---|---|
Whole blood | Frozen (preferred) | 70 days |
Ambient | 70 days | |
Refrigerated | 70 days |
Special Instructions
Reference Values
Pediatric (<18 years) normal frataxin: ≥19 ng/mL
Adults (≥18 years) normal frataxin: ≥21 ng/mL
Day(s) Performed
Twice per month, Thursday
CPT Code Information
83520
Method Description
The immunoassay utilizes frataxin-specific monoclonal antibodies bound to Luminex microspheres as capture antibodies and biotinylated frataxin-specific polyclonal antibodies as detection antibodies. Streptavidin-phycoerythrin attaches to the biotin and when exposed to light at 352 nM emits a photon that is measured and that signal is used to determine the amount of frataxin in the sample.(Oglesbee D, Kroll C, Gakh O, et al. High-throughput immunoassay for the biochemical diagnosis of Friedreich ataxia in dried blood spots and whole blood. Clin Chem. 2013;59(10):1461-1469. doi:10.1373/clinchem.2013.207472; Cowan T, Pasquali M. Laboratory investigations of inborn errors of metabolism. In: Sarafoglou K, Hoffman GF, Roth KS, eds. Pediatric Endocrinology and Inborn Errors of Metabolism. 2nd ed. McGraw-Hill; 2017:1139-1158)
Reject Due To
Gross hemolysis | OK |
Gross lipemia | OK |
Gross icterus | OK |
Method Name
Immunoassay
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. Biochemical Genetics Patient Information (T602)
3. If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send 1 of the following forms with the specimen:
Genetics Test Information
Friedreich ataxia (FA) presents most commonly between 10 to 15 years of age with progressive neurologic changes including spasticity and ataxia.
Decreased frataxin protein levels are diagnostic of FA and can also be utilized for ongoing medical monitoring.