Test Code | B0012 |
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Test Summary |
This test detects galactocerebrosidase activity. |
Turn Around Time | 3 days |
Acceptable Sample Types | Dried Blood Spots , Whole Blood (EDTA) |
Acceptable Billing Types | Institutional Billing , Self (patient) Payment |
NY Approved | Yes |
This test detects galactocerebrosidase enzyme activity that has been associated with Krabbe disease.
This test may be appropriate for individuals with a clinical suspicion of Krabbe disease and/or individuals with a family history of Krabbe disease.
Krabbe disease is associated with the demyelination of the nervous system and abnormal globoid cells in the brain. Age of onset is typically in infancy, although other forms occur later in life. The symptoms usually include muscle weakness, irritability, feeding difficulties, fever without infection, developmental delay, stiff posture, vision loss, and seizures. The infantile form of the disease causes death by age 2, and life expectancy is decreased in the later onset forms. The incidence of Krabbe disease is estimated to be ~1 in 100,000.
Tandem mass spectrometry analysis can be coupled with liquid chromatography, a technique referred to as LC-MS/MS. In this methodology, chromatography is used to separate analytes of interest prior to measurement by the mass spectrometer. This separation reduces interference from matrix components and can also allow for the measurement of analytes that have the same mass (isobaric species), thereby improving analytical specificity compared to MS/MS.
Collection Container(s) | EDTA (purple top) |
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Collection | Infants (< 2-years): 2 to 3 mL; Children (>2-years): 3 to 5 mL; Older children and adults: Minimum 5mL. The blood tube should be inverted several times immediately after blood collection to prevent coagulation. |
Sample Condition | Store at ambient temperature. Do not refrigerate or freeze. |
Shipping | Ship overnight at ambient temperature ensuring receipt within 5-days of collection. |
Special Sample Instructions | Clotted or hemolyzed samples are not accepted. |
Collection Container(s) | Dried blood spot card |
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Collection | Follow kit instructions. Briefly, allow blood to saturate the card until indicated areas are filled and blood has soaked through the card. Air dry the card at ambient temperature for at least 3 hours.
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Sample Condition | Follow the instructions provided with the collection set. Store the dried blood at ambient temperature for up to two days. If the specimen cannot be sent as soon as it is dry, the filter paper should be placed in a sealable plastic bag and stored in a refrigerator (≤ 8°C) or preferably in a freezer. |
Shipping | Follow kit instructions. Double bag and ship overnight at ambient temperature. |