Test ID: MSH6M
MSH6 Mutation Screen, Blood
Secondary ID
A test code used for billing and in test definitions created prior to November 2011
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
Determining whether absence of MSH6 protein, by immunohistochemistry in tumor tissue, is associated with a germline mutation in the affected individual
Establishing a diagnosis of Lynch syndrome/hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer
Testing Algorithm
Delineates situation(s) when tests are added to the initial order. This includes reflex and additional tests.
See Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colorectal Cancer Testing Algorithm in Special Instructions.
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 and Gene Dosage Analysis by Multiplex Ligation-Dependent Probe Amplification (MLPA)
(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
Colorectal Cancer
Hereditary Non-Polyposis
hMSH6 genotyping
HNPCC testing
Lynch Syndrome
MSH6 gene testing
Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colorectal Cancer (HNPCC)
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.
Specimen must arrive within 96 hours of draw.
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.
Forms:
1. Molecular Genetics-Inherited Cancer Syndromes Patient Information Sheet (Supply T519) 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.
3. If not ordering electronically, submit a Molecular Genetics Request Form (Supply T245) with the specimen.
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 | Ambient (preferred) | |
| Frozen | ||
| Refrigerated | ||
Clinical Information
Discusses physiology, pathophysiology, and general clinical aspects, as they relate to a laboratory test
Lynch syndrome (also known as hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer or HNPCC) is an autosomal dominant hereditary cancer syndrome associated with germline mutations in the mismatch repair genes, MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, and PMS2. Deletions within the 3-prime end of the EPCAM gene have also been associated with Lynch syndrome, as this leads to inactivation of the MSH2 promoter.
Lynch syndrome is predominantly characterized by significantly increased risks for colorectal and endometrial cancer. The lifetime risk for colorectal cancer is highly variable and dependent on the gene involved. The risk for colorectal cancer-associated MLH1 and MSH2 mutations (approximately 50%-80%) is generally higher than the risks associated with mutations in the other Lynch syndrome-related genes. The lifetime risk for endometrial cancer (approximately 25%-60%) is also highly variable. Other malignancies within the tumor spectrum include gastric cancer, ovarian cancer, hepatobiliary and urinary tract carcinomas, and small bowel cancer. The lifetime risks for these cancers are <15%. Of the 4 mismatch repair genes, mutations within the PMS2 gene confer the lowest risk for any of the tumors within the Lynch syndrome spectrum.
Several clinical variants of Lynch syndrome have been defined. These include Turcot syndrome, Muir-Torre syndrome, and homozygous mismatch repair mutations (also called constitutional mismatch repair deficiency syndrome). Turcot syndrome and Muir-Torre syndrome are associated with increased risks for cancers within the tumor spectrum described but also include brain/central nervous system malignancies and sebaceous carcinomas, respectively. Homozygous mismatch repair mutations, characterized by the presence of biallelic deleterious mutations within a mismatch repair gene, are associated with a different clinical phenotype defined by hematologic and brain cancers, cafe au lait macules, and childhood colon or small bowel cancer.
There are several strategies for evaluating individuals whose personal or family history of cancer is suggestive of Lynch syndrome. One such strategy involves testing the tumors from suspected individuals for microsatellite instability (MSI) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) for the presence or absence of defective DNA mismatch repair. Tumors that demonstrate absence of expression of MSH6 are more likely to have a germline mutation in the MSH6 gene.
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
All detected alterations will be evaluated according to American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) recommendations.(1) Variants will be classified based on known, predicted, or possible pathogenicity and reported with interpretive comments detailing their potential or known significance.
Cautions
Discusses conditions that may cause diagnostic confusion, including improper specimen collection and handling, inappropriate test selection, and interfering substances
Some individuals who have a diagnosis of MSH6-related Lynch syndrome may have a mutation that is not identified by this method (eg, promoter mutations, deep intronic mutations). The absence of a mutation, therefore, does not eliminate the possibility of a diagnosis of Lynch syndrome. For predictive testing, it is important to first document the presence of an MSH6 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 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.
We strongly recommend that patients undergoing predictive testing receive genetic counseling both prior to testing and after results are available.
In addition to disease-related probes, the multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification technique utilizes probes localized to other chromosomal regions as internal controls. In certain circumstances, these control probes may detect other diseases or conditions for which this test was not specifically intended. Results of the control probes are not normally reported. However, in cases where clinically relevant information is identified, the ordering physician will be informed of the result and provided with recommendations for any appropriate follow-up testing.
Supportive Data
Specimens from approximately 37 patients were tested by DNA sequence analysis and the results compared to those obtained by sequence analysis from other laboratories. All results were 100% concordant.
Clinical Reference
Provides recommendations for further in-depth reading of a clinical nature
1. Richards CS, Bale S, Bellissimo DB, et al: ACMG recommendations for standards for interpretation and reporting of sequence variations: Revisions 2007. Genet Med 2008:10(4):294-300
2. Baudhuin LM, Burgart LJ, Leontovich O, Thibodeau SN: Use of microsatellite instability and immunohistochemistry testing for the identification of individuals at risk for Lynch Syndrome. Fam Cancer 2005;4:255-265
3. Umar A, Boland CR, Terdiman JP, et al: Revised Bethesda guidelines for hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (Lynch syndrome) and microsatellite instability. J Natl Cancer Inst 2004;96:261-268
4. Lynch HT, de le Chapelle A: Hereditary colorectal cancer. N Engl J Med 2003;348:919-932
5. International Collaborative Group on Hereditary Non-Polyposis Colorectal Cancer. Mutation Database. Retrieved Dec/2004. Available from URL: insight-group.org/
Method Description
Describes how the test is performed and provides a method-specific reference
DNA sequence analysis is performed to test for the presence of a mutation in all 10 exons of the MSH6 gene. Additionally, gene dosage analysis (MLPA) is used to test for the presence of large deletions and duplications in the MSH6 gene (all exons) and the TACSTD1/EPCAM gene (exons 3 and 8, 2 probes in 3-prime UTR, 1 probe 3kb downstream of TACSTD1/EPCAM, and 1 probe 2.5 kb upstream of MSH2).(Baudhuin LM, Mai M, French AJ, et al: Analysis of hMLH1 and hMSH2 gene dosage alterations in hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer patients by novel methods. J Mol Diagn 2005 May;7[2]:226-2235; Casey G, Lindor NM, Papadopoulos N, et al: Conversion analysis for mutation detection in MLH1 and MSH2 in patients with colorectal cancer. JAMA 2005;293[7]:799-809)
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.
Friday; 10 a.m.
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
Test Classification
Provides information regarding the medical device classification for laboratory test kits and reagents. Tests may be classified as cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and used per manufacturer's instructions, or as products that do not undergo full FDA review and approval, and are then labeled as an Analyte Specific Reagent (ASR), Investigation Use Only (IUO) product, or a Research Use Only (RUO) product.
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.
81298-MSH6 (mutS homolog 6[E.coli]) (eg, hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer, Lynch syndrome) gene analysis; full sequence analysis
81300-MSH6 (mutS homolog 6 [E. coli]) (eg, hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer, Lynch syndrome) gene analysis; duplication/deletion variants
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 22748 | Reason For Referral | 42349-1 |
| 22750 | Result | In Process |
| 22751 | Interpretation | 69047-9 |
| 22749 | Method | In Process |
| 22752 | Amendment | In Process |
| 22744 | Specimen | 31208-2 |
| 22746 | Source | N/A |
| 22753 | Reviewed By: | N/A |
| 22754 | Release Date | N/A |


