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Order Code KRABZ Krabbe Disease, Full Gene Analysis and Large (30 kb) Deletion, Varies

Useful For

Second-tier test for confirming a diagnosis of Krabbe disease

 

Carrier testing for individuals with a family history of Krabbe disease in the absence of known sequence variants in the family

Genetics Test Information

Testing includes full gene sequencing of the GALC gene.

Reflex Tests

Test ID Reporting Name Available Separately Always Performed
CULFB Fibroblast Culture for Genetic Test Yes No

Testing Algorithm

For skin biopsy or cultured fibroblast specimens, fibroblast culture testing will be performed at an additional charge. If viable cells are not obtained, the client will be notified.

 

The following are available:

-Newborn Screen Follow-up for Krabbe Disease: Galactocerebrosidase

-Newborn Screen Follow-up for Krabbe Disease: Galactocerebrosidase and Psychosine

 

If the patient has abnormal newborn screening result for Krabbe disease, immediate action should be taken. Refer to the appropriate American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics Newborn Screening ACT Sheet.(1,2)

Method Name

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) followed by DNA Sequencing

Reporting Name

Krabbe Disease, Full Gene Analysis

Specimen Type

Varies


Ordering Guidance


The recommended first-tier test for Krabbe disease is GALCW / Galactocerebrosidase, Leukocytes, however this test is not reliable for detection of carriers.

 

For ongoing therapeutic monitoring for patients with Krabbe disease or for second tier newborn screening, order PSY / Psychosine, Blood Spot.



Shipping Instructions


Specimen preferred to arrive within 96 hours of collection.



Specimen Required


Patient Preparation: A previous bone marrow transplant from an allogenic donor will interfere with testing. Call 800-533-1710 for instructions for testing patients who have received a bone marrow transplant.

 

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

 

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 or 2 full T-25 flasks

Specimen Stability Information: Ambient (preferred)/Refrigerated <24 hours

Additional Information: A separate culture charge will be assessed under CULFB / Fibroblast Culture for Biochemical or Molecular Testing. An additional 3 to 4 weeks is required to culture fibroblasts before genetic testing can occur.

 

Specimen Type: Skin biopsy

Supplies: Fibroblast Biopsy Transport Media (T115)

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.

Specimen Volume: 4-mm punch

Specimen Stability Information: Refrigerated (preferred)/Ambient

Additional Information: A separate culture charge will be assessed under CULFB / Fibroblast Culture for Biochemical or Molecular Testing. An additional 3 to 4 weeks is required to culture fibroblasts before genetic testing can occur.

 

Acceptable:

Specimen Type: Blood spot

Supplies: Card - Blood Spot Collection (Filter Paper) (T493)

Container/Tube:

Preferred: Collection card (Whatman Protein Saver 903 Paper)

Acceptable: PerkinElmer 226 (formerly Ahlstrom 226) filter paper or blood spot collection card

 

Specimen Volume: 2 to 5 Blood spots

Collection Instructions:

1. An alternative blood collection option for a patient older than 1 year is a fingerstick. For detailed instructions, see How to Collect Dried Blood Spot Samples.

2. Let blood dry on the filter paper at ambient temperature in a horizontal position for a minimum of 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

Additional Information:

1. Due to lower concentration of DNA yielded from blood spot, it is possible that additional specimen may be required to complete testing.

2. For collection instructions, see Blood Spot Collection Instructions

3. For collection instructions in Spanish, see Blood Spot Collection Card-Spanish Instructions (T777)

4. For collection instructions in Chinese, see Blood Spot Collection Card-Chinese Instructions (T800)


Specimen Minimum Volume

Blood: 1 mL
Blood Spots: 3

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time Special Container
Varies Varies

Reject Due To

All specimens will be evaluated at Mayo Clinic Laboratories for test suitability.

Reference Values

An interpretive report will be provided.

Method Description

Bidirectional sequence analysis is performed to test for the presence of a sequence variant in all coding regions and intron/exon boundaries of the GALC gene. Additionally, a PCR-based assay is used to examine DNA for the presence of a 30-kb deletion encompassing exon 11 through the end of the GALC gene.(Unpublished Mayo method)

Day(s) Performed

Varies

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

CPT Code Information

81406 GALC (galactosylceramidase) (eg, Krabbe disease), full gene sequence

88233-Tissue culture, skin or solid tissue biopsy (if appropriate)

88240-Cryopreservation (if appropriate)

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 in Special Instructions:

-Informed Consent for Genetic Testing (T576)

-Informed Consent for Genetic Testing-Spanish (T826)

2. Molecular Genetics: Biochemical Disorders Patient Information (T527) in Special Instructions

3. If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Biochemical Genetics Test Request (T798) with the specimen.