α-Thalassemia, DNA Analysis

CPT: 81257
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Synonyms

  • Alpha-Thal

Special Instructions

If cultured cells are needed, an additional 7-12 days may be required. Additional culture fee may be included.


Expected Turnaround Time

9 - 12 days



Specimen Requirements


Specimen

Whole blood, amniotic fluid, chorionic villus sample (CVS) (Submission of maternal blood is required for fetal testing.)


Volume

7 mL whole blood, 10 mL amniotic fluid or 20 mg CVS


Minimum Volume

3 mL whole blood, 5 mL amniotic fluid or 10 mg CVS


Container

Lavender-top (EDTA) tube, yellow-top (ACD) tube, sterile plastic conical tube, or two confluent T-25 flasks for fetal testing


Storage Instructions

Maintain specimen at room temperature or refrigerate at 4°C.


Causes for Rejection

Frozen specimen; hemolysis; quantity not sufficient for analysis; improper container; one buccal swab; wet buccal swab


Test Details


Limitations

This test is designed to detect copy-number changes in the α-globin gene cluster (deletions and duplications) of 28 different sequences in the HBA region. In addition, the assay detects the presence of the Constant Spring (Hb CS) mutation. Other point mutations, and variants in other genes, will not be detected by this assay. Molecular-based testing is highly accurate, but as in any laboratory test, rare diagnostic errors may occur.

Results of this test are labeled for research purposes only by the assay's manufacturer. The performance characteristics of this assay have not been established by the manufacturer. The result should not be used for treatment or for diagnostic purposes without confirmation of the diagnosis by another medically established diagnostic product or procedure. The performance characteristics were determined by LabCorp.


Methodology

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA)


Additional Information

α-Thalassemia (OMIM 141800) is the most common inherited disorder of hemoglobin (Hb) synthesis in the world, with gene frequencies varying between 1% and 98% throughout the tropics and subtropics. α-Thalassemia can occur in all ethnic groups but is more common in those of Southeast Asian descent. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends hemoglobinopathy screening for those of African, Southeast Asian, and Mediterranean descent. More than 95% of recognized α-thalassemia involves deletion of one or both α-globin genes from chromosome 16p13.3.

DNA analysis of the α-globin region (HBA1/HBA2, OMIM 141800/141850, 16pter-16p13.3) is performed by targeting 28 different sequences using multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA). This methodology detects genomic deletions and duplications involving this locus, including the seven most common types of α-Thalassemia deletions (α-3.7, α-4.2, SEA, MED, THAI, FIL, and α-(20.5)), as well the Constant Spring point mutation. DNA analysis of the common α-globin gene deletions performed by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by agarose gel electrophoresis may, on occasion, be used for confirmatory purposes.


References

Chong SS, Boehm CD, Higgs DR, Cutting GR. Single-tube multiplex-PCR screen for common deletional determinants of alpha-thalassemia. Blood. 2000 Jan 1; 95(1):360-362. 11017952
Chui DH, Waye JS. Hydrops fetalis caused by alpha-thalassemia: An emerging health care problem. Blood. 1998 Apr 1; 91(7): 2213-2222. 9516118
Fichera M, Spalletta A, Fiorenza F, et al. Molecular basis of alpha-thalassemia in Sicily. Hum Genet. 1997 Mar; 99(3):381-386. 9050927
Gallanello R, Cao A. Alpha-thalassemia. GeneReviews. 2008; http://www.genetests.org.
Liu JZ, Han H, Schouten JP, et al. Detection of alpha-thalassemia in China by using multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification. Hemoglobin. 2008; 32(6):561-571. 19065334

LOINC® Map

Order Code Order Code Name Order Loinc Result Code Result Code Name UofM Result LOINC
511172 Alpha-Thalassemia 21688-7 511173 Alpha-Thalassemia 21687-9
511172 Alpha-Thalassemia 21688-7 511939 PDF 80563-0

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