Test ID: GALCS
Krabbe Disease, Full Gene Analysis and Large (30 kb) Deletion, PCR
NY State Approved 
Indicates the status of NY State approval and if the test is orderable for NY State clients.
Useful For Suggests clinical disorders or settings where the test may be helpful
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 mutations in the family
Genetics Test Information Provides information that may help with selection of the correct test or proper submission of the test request
Testing includes full gene sequencing of the GALC gene.
Reflex Tests Lists test(s) that may or may not be performed, at an additional charge, depending on the result and interpretation of the initial test(s)
| Test ID | Reporting Name | Available Separately | Always Performed |
|---|---|---|---|
| FBC | Fibroblast Culture for Genetic Test | Yes | No |
Testing Algorithm Delineates situation(s) when tests are added to the initial order. This includes reflex and additional tests.
If skin biopsy is received, fibroblast culture for genetic test will be added and charged separately.
Special Instructions and Forms Describes specimen collection and preparation information, test algorithms, and other information pertinent to test. Also includes pertinent information and consent forms to be used when requesting a particular test
Method Name A short description of the method used to perform the test
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Followed by DNA Sequence Analysis
(PCR is utilized pursuant to a license agreement with Roche Molecular Systems, Inc.)
Reporting Name A shorter/abbreviated version of the Published Name for a test; an abbreviated test name
Aliases Lists additional common names for a test, as an aid in searching
Beta-Galactosidase Galactosylceramide, Leukocytes
Cerebroside B-Galactosidase, WBC
Cerebroside Beta-Galactosidase(WBC)
Galactocerebrosidase
Galactocerebrosidase Deficiency
Galactosylceramidase Deficiency
Galactosylceramide
GALC Deficiency
Globoid Cell Leukodystrophy
Krabbe Disease
Krabbe's Disease
Specimen Type Describes the specimen type needed for testing
Specimen Required Defines the optimal specimen. This field describes the type of specimen required to perform the test and the preferred volume to complete testing. The volume allows automated processing, fastest throughput and, when indicated, repeat or reflex testing.
Forms:
1. Molecular Genetics-Biochemical Disorders Patient Information Sheet (Supply 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 (Supply T576) is available in Special Instructions.
Specimen must arrive within 96 hours of collection.
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
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 [Supply T115]).
Specimen Volume: 4-mm punch
Specimen Stability Information: Refrigerated (preferred)/Ambient
Acceptable:
Specimen Type: Blood spot
Container/Tube: Whatman Protein Saver 903 Paper
Specimen Volume: 5 blood spots
Collection Instructions:
1. Let blood dry on the filter paper at ambient temperature in a horizontal position for 3 hours.
2. Do not expose specimen to heat or direct sunlight.
3. Do not stack wet specimens.
4. Keep specimen dry.
Specimen Stability Information: Ambient (preferred)/Refrigerated
Specimen Minimum Volume Defines the amount of specimen required to perform an assay once, including instrument and container dead space. Submitting the minimum specimen volume makes it impossible to repeat the test or perform confirmatory or perform reflex testing. In some situations, a minimum specimen volume may result in a QNS (quantity not sufficient) result, requiring a second specimen to be collected.
Reject Due To Identifies specimen types and conditions that may cause the specimen to be rejected
| Hemolysis | NA |
| Lipemia | NA |
| Icterus | NA |
| Other | NA |
Specimen Stability Information Provides a description of the temperatures required to transport a specimen to the laboratory. Alternate acceptable temperature(s) are also included.
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Varies | Varies | |
Clinical Information Discusses physiology, pathophysiology, and general clinical aspects, as they relate to a laboratory test
Krabbe disease (globoid cell leukodystrophy) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by a deficiency of galactocerebrosidase (GALC, galactosylceramide beta-galactosidase). GALC is encoded by the GALC gene located on 14q31. Krabbe disease occurs in approximately 1 in 100,000 live births with a carrier frequency of about 1 in 150 in the general population. Deficiency of GALC activity leads to an accumulation of galactosylceramide in globoid cells (multinucleated macrophages) causing severe demyelination throughout the brain. The toxic metabolite galactosylsphingosine (psychosine), an apoptotic compound, accumulates in oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells and contributes to disease pathogenicity.
Severely affected individuals typically present between 3 to 6 months of age with increasing irritability and sensitivity to stimuli. Rapid neurodegeneration follows with death usually occurring by age 13 months. There are later onset forms of the disease that are characterized by ataxia, vision loss, weakness, and psychomotor regression. The clinical course of Krabbe disease can be variable even within the same family. Treatment is mostly supportive, although hematopoietic stem cell transplantation has shown some success if treatment begins before neurologic damage has occurred.
The recommended first-tier test for Krabbe disease is LDSBS/89406 Lysosomal Disorders Screen, Blood Spot, CBGC/8816 Galactosylceramide Beta-Galactosidase, Leukocytes, or CBGT/8297 Galactosylceramide Beta-Galactosidase, Fibroblasts. Individuals with GALC activity below the reference range for these assays are more likely to have mutations in the GALC gene that are identifiable by molecular genetic testing. The above tests are not reliable for detection of carriers of Krabbe disease. Molecular genetic testing (this test) is the recommended test for individuals with a family history of Krabbe disease in which the mutations in the family are unknown. Molecular tests form the basis of confirmatory or carrier testing.
This assay includes DNA sequencing of all 17 exons within the GALC gene as well as evaluation for the common 30-kb deletion spanning intron 10 through the end of the gene. This deletion accounts for a significant proportion of disease alleles that contribute to infantile Krabbe disease. While enzyme activity is not predictive of age of onset, there are known genotype-phenotype correlations. Individuals who are homozygous for the deletion, or compound heterozygous for the deletion and a second GALC mutation (with the exception of late-onset mutations), are predicted to have infantile Krabbe disease. The c.857G->A (p.Gly286Asp) mutation, on the other hand, is only associated with a late-onset phenotype.
Reference Values Describes reference intervals and additional information for interpretation of test results. May include intervals based on age and sex when appropriate. Intervals are Mayo-derived, unless otherwise designated. If an interpretive report is provided, the reference value field will state this.
An interpretive report will be provided.
Interpretation Provides information to assist in interpretation of the test results
An interpretive report will indicate if results are diagnostic for Krabbe disease (2 mutations identified) or if the individual is a carrier of Krabbe disease (1 mutation identified).
Cautions Discusses conditions that may cause diagnostic confusion, including improper specimen collection and handling, inappropriate test selection, and interfering substances
This analysis does not exclude a diagnosis of atypical Krabbe disease due to saposin A deficiency.
A small percentage of individuals who are carriers or have a diagnosis of Krabbe disease may have a mutation that is not identifiable 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 Krabbe disease.
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.
Supportive Data
Not applicable
Clinical Reference Provides recommendations for further in-depth reading of a clinical nature
1. Wenger DA: Krabbe Disease (Most recent review March 2011). Available at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/bookshelf/br.fcgi?book=gene&part=krabbe
2. Luzi P, Rafi MA, Wenger DA: Structure and organization of the human galactocerebrosidase (GALC) gene. Genomics 1995;26:407-409
3. Luzi P, Rafi MA, Wenger DA: Characterization of the large deletion in the GALC gene found in patients with Krabbe disease. Hum Mol Genet 1995;4(12):2335-2338
4. Spiegel R, Bach G, Sury V, et al: A mutation in the saposin A coding region of the prosaposin gene in an infant presenting as Krabbe disease: report of saposin A deficiency in humans. Molec Genet Metab 2005,84:160-166
Method Description Describes how the test is performed and provides a method-specific reference
DNA sequencing is used to test for the presence of a mutation in all 17 exons of the GALC gene. In addition, a PCR-based assay is utilized 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) and Time(s) Test Performed Outlines the days and times the test is performed. This field reflects the day and time the sample must be in the testing laboratory to begin the testing process and includes any specimen preparation and processing time required before the test is performed. Some tests are listed as continuously performed, which means assays are performed several times during the day.
Thursday; 10 am
Analytic Time Defines the amount of time it takes the laboratory to setup and perform the test. This is defined in number of days. The shortest interval of time expressed is "same day/1 day," which means the results may be available the same day that the sample is received in the testing laboratory. One day means results are available 1 day after the sample is received in the laboratory.
Maximum Laboratory Time Defines the maximum time from specimen receipt at Mayo Medical Laboratories until the release of the test result
Specimen Retention Time Outlines the length of time after testing that a specimen is kept in the laboratory before it is discarded
Performing Laboratory Location The location of the laboratory that performs the test
CPT Code Information Provides guidance in determining the appropriate Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code(s) information for each test or profile. The listed CPT codes reflect Mayo Medical Laboratories interpretation of CPT coding requirements. It is the responsibility of each laboratory to determine correct CPT codes to use for billing.
81479-Unlisted molecular pathology procedure
LOINC® Code Information Provides guidance in determining the Logical Observation Identifiers Names and Codes (LOINC) values for the result codes returned for this test or profile.
| Result ID | Reporting Name | LOINC Code |
|---|---|---|
| 33569 | Specimen | N/A |
| 33570 | Specimen ID | N/A |
| 33571 | Source | N/A |
| 33572 | Order Date | N/A |
| 33573 | Reason For Referral | N/A |
| 33574 | Method | N/A |
| 33575 | Result | N/A |
| 33576 | Interpretation | N/A |
| 33577 | Amendment | N/A |
| 33578 | Reviewed By | N/A |
| 33579 | Release Date | N/A |
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