Ordering Recommendation

Carrier screening or diagnostic testing for Tay-Sachs disease. For carrier screening in individuals of French-Canadian ancestry, consider ordering Tay-Sachs Disease (HEXA), 7 Variants (0051428).

New York DOH Approval Status

Testing is not New York state approved. Specimens from New York clients will be sent out to a New York state-approved laboratory.

Specimen Required

Patient Preparation
Collect

Lavender or pink (EDTA) or yellow (ACD solution A or B)
New York State Clients: Lavender (EDTA)

Specimen Preparation

Transport 3 mL whole blood. (Min: 3 mL)

Storage/Transport Temperature

Refrigerated.

Unacceptable Conditions

Serum or plasma; grossly hemolyzed or frozen specimens; saliva, buccal brush or swab, FFPE tissue.

Remarks
Stability

Ambient: 72 hours; Refrigerated: 1 week; Frozen: Unacceptable
New York State Clients: Ambient: 48 hours; Refrigerated: 2 weeks; Frozen: Unacceptable

Methodology

Massively Parallel Sequencing

Performed

Varies

Reported

10-15 days

Reference Interval

Refer to report

Interpretive Data

Refer to report.

Compliance Category

Laboratory Developed Test (LDT)

Note

Gene Tested: HEXA (NM_000520)
The pathogenic 7.6kb deletion specific to French Canadian populations is detected by this assay at reduced sensitivity.

When testing cord blood specimens, the presence of maternal cell contamination (MCC) is possible, which may impact result interpretation. If clinically warranted, testing for MCC is available, at a charge, through ARUP Laboratories.

Hotline History

N/A

CPT Codes

81406, 81479

Components

Component Test Code* Component Chart Name LOINC
3004487 HEXA Specimen 66746-9
3004488 HEXA Interp 38900-7
* Component test codes cannot be used to order tests. The information provided here is not sufficient for interface builds; for a complete test mix, please click the sidebar link to access the Interface Map.

Aliases

  • beta-hexosaminidase A
  • GM2 gangliosidosis
  • hexosaminidase A
  • Tay-Sachs disease
Tay-Sachs Disease ( HEXA ) Sequencing and Deletion/Duplication