Use to confirm clinical diagnosis of Rett syndrome or MECP2-related disorder. Consultation with a genetic counselor is recommended to plan the optimal MECP2 genetic testing sequence. ARUP's genetic counselors are available at 800-242-2787 x2141.
Sequencing/Multiplex Ligation-dependent Probe Amplification
Varies
14-21 days
Lavender (EDTA), pink (K2EDTA), or yellow (ACD Solution A or B).
Transport 3 mL whole blood. (Min: 1 mL)
Refrigerated.
Ambient: 72 hours; Refrigerated: 1 week; Frozen: Unacceptable
Background Information
Characteristics: Classic Rett Syndrome is a progressive neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by normal development until 6-18 months of age followed by rapid developmental regression, deceleration of head growth, loss of speech and acquired motor skills, and seizures; purposeful use of the hands is replaced by repetitive stereotyped hand movements. MECP2-related disorders include Rett-like Syndrome, severe congenital encephalopathy, or mild to severe mental retardation.
Incidence: 1 in 10,000.
Inheritance: X-linked dominant; most cases are sporadic.
Cause: Methyl-CpG-Binding Protein 2 (MECP2) gene mutations.
Clinical Sensitivity: Up to 95 percent.
Methodology: Bidirectional sequencing of the MECP2 coding regions (exons 1-4) and intron-exon boundaries; Multiplex Ligation-dependent Probe Amplification (MLPA) to detect large deletions/duplications in the MECP2 coding regions (exons 1-4).
Analytical Sensitivity: 99 percent for sequencing and 90 percent for MLPA.
Analytic Specificity: 99 percent for sequencing and 98 percent for MLPA.
Limitations: Breakpoints of large deletions/duplications cannot be determined; deep intronic mutations will not be detected. Diagnostic errors can occur due to rare sequence variations.
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by ARUP Laboratories. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. This test was performed in a CLIA certified laboratory and is intended for clinical purposes.
Counseling and informed consent are recommended for genetic testing. Consent forms are available online.
Laboratory Developed Test (LDT)
81302; 81304
Component Test Code* | Component Chart Name | LOINC |
---|---|---|
0051613 | Rett Syndrome (MECP2) Seq, DelDup Int | |
2001374 | Rett Syndrome (MECP2) Seq, DelDup Spcm |
- MECP2 sequencing and deletion/duplication assay