Test ID: HEXKM
Tay-Sachs Disease, HEXA Gene, Known Mutation
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
Carrier testing of individuals for Tay-Sachs disease (TSD) when familial mutations have been previously identified
Diagnostic confirmation of TSD when familial mutations have been previously identified
Prenatal testing when 2 familial mutations have been previously identified in an affected family member
Genetics Test Information Provides information that may help with selection of the correct test or proper submission of the test request
Documentation of the specific familial mutation(s) must be provided with the specimen in order to perform this test.
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 |
| AFC | Amniotic Fluid Culture/Genetic Test | Yes | No |
| MCC | Maternal Cell Contamination, B | Yes | No |
Testing Algorithm Delineates situation(s) when tests are added to the initial order. This includes reflex and additional tests.
For prenatal specimens only: If amniotic fluid (non-confluent cultured cells) is received, amniotic fluid culture/genetic test will be added and charged separately. If chorionic villus specimen (non-confluent cultured cells) is received, fibroblast culture for genetic test will be added and charged separately. For any prenatal specimen that is received, maternal cell contamination studies will be added.
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) amplification/DNA sequencing are utilized to test for the presence of a specific mutation(s) in the HEXA gene previously identified in an affected family member.
(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
Hexosaminidase A
Tay-Sachs
Tay-Sachs disease (TSD)
TSD (Tay-Sachs 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.
3. If not ordering electronically, submit a Molecular Genetics Request Form (Supply T245) with the specimen.
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
Due to the complexity of prenatal testing, consultation with the laboratory is required for all prenatal testing. Prenatal specimens can be sent Monday through Thursday and must be received by 5 p.m. CST on Friday in order to be processed appropriately. All prenatal specimens must be accompanied by a maternal blood specimen. Order MCC/88636 Maternal Cell Contamination, Molecular Analysis on the maternal specimen.
Specimen Type: Amniotic fluid
Container/Tube: Amniotic fluid container
Specimen Volume: 20 mL
Specimen Stability Information: Refrigerated (preferred)/Ambient
Specimen Type: Chorionic villi
Container/Tube: 15-mL tube containing 15 mL of transport media
Specimen Volume: 20 mg
Specimen Stability Information: Refrigerated
Acceptable:
Specimen Type: Confluent cultured cells
Container/Tube: T-25 flask
Specimen Volume: 2 flasks
Collection Instructions: Submit confluent cultured cells from another laboratory.
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
Tay-Sachs disease (TSD) is an inherited lysosomal storage disease caused by a deficiency of the enzyme beta-hexosaminidase A. It is characterized by accumulation of GM2 gangliosides in cells of the brain and central nervous system. The HEXA gene encodes the alpha subunit of beta-hexosaminidase A and mutations in this gene cause TSD. TSD occurs in approximately 1 in 200,000 live births with a carrier frequency of 1/250 to 1/300 in the general population. The carrier frequency for this disease in individuals of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry is 1/31.
The classic form of TSD becomes apparent in infancy when mild motor weakness is noted along with impaired visual acuity and the presence of a "startle response." Other manifestations include progressive neurodegeneration, seizures, and blindness, leading to total incapacitation and death. The subacute and adult-onset types of TSD are characterized by later ages of onset and a broad spectrum of disease symptoms and severity.
TSD is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. Several common mutations in the HEXA gene account for 92% of disease-causing mutations in the Ashkenazi Jewish population. Testing for these mutations is available as a panel, TSD/82588 Tay-Sachs Disease, Mutation Analysis, HEXA. In non-Ashkenazi Jewish individuals, the detection rate for the common mutations is significantly decreased. Sequencing of the entire HEXA gene detects less common disease-causing mutations.
The recommended first-tier test for TSD carrier screening and diagnosis in all patients is a biochemical test that measures hexosaminidase A activity in white blood cells, NAGW/8775 Hexosaminidase A and Total Hexosaminidase, Leukocytes. Refer to Carrier Testing for Tay-Sachs Disease and Other GM2 Gangliosidosis Variants: Supplementing Traditional Biochemical Testing with Molecular Methods, Mayo Medical Laboratories Communique 2004 Jul;29(7) for more information regarding testing strategy.
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 be provided.
Cautions Discusses conditions that may cause diagnostic confusion, including improper specimen collection and handling, inappropriate test selection, and interfering substances
The identification of a disease-causing mutation in an affected family member is necessary before predictive testing for other family members can be offered. If a familial mutation has not been previously identified, order TSD/82588 Tay-Sachs, Mutation Analysis or HEXMS/89278 Tay-Sachs Disease, HEXA Gene, Full Gene Analysis.
Analysis is performed for the familial mutation(s) provided only. This assay does not rule out the presence of other mutations within this gene or within other genes that may be associated with Tay-Sachs disease.
Test results should be interpreted in the context of clinical findings, family history, and other laboratory data. Any error in the diagnosis or in the pedigree provided to us, including false-paternity, could lead to erroneous interpretation of results.
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.
Clinical Reference Provides recommendations for further in-depth reading of a clinical nature
1. Gravel RA, Kaback MM, Proia RL, et al: The GM2 gangliosidosis. In The Metabolic and Molecular Bases of Inherited Disease. 8th edition. Edited by CR Scriver, AL Beaudet, WS Sly, et al. New York, McGraw-Hill Book Company, 2001, pp 3827-3876
2. ACOG Committee on Genetics: ACOG Committee Opinion #318; Screening for Tay-Sachs disease. Obstet Gynecol. 2005;106(4):893-894
Method Description Describes how the test is performed and provides a method-specific reference
DNA sequence analysis is used to test for the presence of a specific mutation(s) in the HEXA gene that were previously identified in an affected family member. (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.
Wednesday; 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.
81403-Known familial variant not otherwise specified, for gene listed in Tier 1 or Tier 2, DNA sequence analysis, each variant exon
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 30252 | Specimen | 31208-2 |
| 30253 | Specimen ID | N/A |
| 30254 | Source | N/A |
| 30255 | Order Date | N/A |
| 30257 | Reason For Referral | 42349-1 |
| 30258 | Method | In Process |
| 30259 | Result | In Process |
| 30260 | Interpretation | 69047-9 |
| 29379 | Extraction Performed? | N/A |
| 30261 | Amendment | In Process |
| 30262 | Reviewed By | N/A |
| 30263 | Release Date | N/A |
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