Test ID: GFDMS
FTCD Gene, Full Gene Analysis
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 glutamate formiminotransferase deficiency (indicated by biochemical testing or newborn screening)
Ruling out other diseases associated with high levels of urine formiminoglutamate
Carrier screening in cases where there is a family history of glutamate formiminotransferase deficiency but disease-causing mutations have not been identified in an affected individual
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 FTCD 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
GFDMS/89900: Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Followed by DNA Sequence Analysis
(PCR is utilized pursuant to a license agreement with Roche Molecular Systems, Inc.)
FBC/80333: Cell Culture
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
FIGLU (Glutamate Formiminotrasferase Deficiency)
FTCD
FTCD Gene
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:
Preferred:
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 flask 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
Glutamate formiminotransferase deficiency is an autosomal recessive inborn error of folate and histidine metabolism caused by a deficiency of the enzyme, glutamate formiminotransferase-cyclodeaminase, which is encoded at the FTCD loci on chromosome 21q22.3. Glutamate formiminotransferase deficiency presents as a clinical spectrum that ranges from asymptomatic to severe. Individuals with the severe form of disease are reported to have mental and physical retardation and anemia, whereas the mild form is associated with a lesser degree of developmental delay. Of note, the association of the enzyme deficiency with mental retardation has been disputed in the literature.
An elevated amount of urine formiminoglutamate (FIGLU) is a cardinal sign of glutamate formiminotransferase deficiency for both the severe and mild clinical phenotypes. However, higher levels of urine FIGLU are observed in patients with milder forms of the disease and these levels occur in the absence of histidine loading; whereas the presence of FIGLU in the urine is typically only observed in severe cases after L-histidine administration. In addition, the severe form of disease is associated with elevated serum folate levels, whereas the milder form of disease is not.
As there are discrepancies in FIGLU and serum folate levels among affected individuals, confirmation of suspected cases of glutamate formiminotransferase deficiency may require a liver biopsy for enzymology or the identification of 2 disease-causing mutations in the FTCD gene. Identification of 2 FTCD mutations establishes a molecular diagnosis of glutamate formiminotransferase deficiency, and rules out other diseases associated with high levels of urine FIGLU, such as folate or methylcobalamin deficiencies. Evaluation of the FTCD gene by molecular genetic testing, is recommended as a second-tier test subsequent to a positive newborn screen or biochemical test.
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
A small percentage of individuals who are carriers or have a diagnosis of glutamate formiminotransferase deficiency may have a mutation that is not identified by this method (eg, large genomic deletions, promoter mutations). The absence of a mutation(s), therefore, does not eliminate the possibility of positive carrier status or the diagnosis of glutamate formiminotransferase deficiency. For carrier testing, it is important to first document the presence of a FTCD 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 at 800-533-1710 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.
Clinical Reference
Provides recommendations for further in-depth reading of a clinical nature
1. Hilton JF, Christensen KE, Watkins D, et al: The molecular basis of glutamate formiminotransferase deficiency. Hum Mutat 2003;22:67-73
2. Solans A, Estivill X, de la Luna S: Cloning and characterization of human FTCD on 21q22.3, a candidate gene for glutamate formiminotransferase deficiency. Cytogenet Cell Genet 2000;88:43-49
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 14 coding exons of the FTCD 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.
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.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 33525 | Specimen | N/A |
| 33526 | Specimen ID | N/A |
| 33527 | Source | N/A |
| 33528 | Order Date | N/A |
| 33529 | Reason For Referral | N/A |
| 33530 | Method | N/A |
| 33531 | Result | N/A |
| 33532 | Interpretation | N/A |
| 33533 | Amendment | N/A |
| 33534 | Reviewed By | N/A |
| 33535 | Release Date | N/A |


