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Test Code ALAGP Alagille Syndrome Gene Panel, Varies


Ordering Guidance


Targeted testing for familial variants (also called site-specific or known mutations/variants testing) is available for the genes on this panel. See FMTT / Familial Variant, Targeted Testing, Varies. To obtain more information about this testing option, call 800-533-1710.

 

Customization of this panel and single gene analysis for any gene present on this panel are available. For more information, see CGPH / Custom Gene Panel, Hereditary, Next-Generation Sequencing, Varies. To modify this panel via CGPH, use the Nephrology disease state for step 1 on the Custom Gene Ordering Tool.



Shipping Instructions


 



Specimen Required


Patient Preparation: A previous hematopoietic stem cell transplant from an allogenic donor will interfere with testing. For information about testing patients who have received a hematopoietic stem cell transplant, call 800-533-1710.

 

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

 

Specimen Type: Whole blood

Container/Tube:

Preferred: Lavender top (EDTA) or yellow top (ACD)

Acceptable: Green top (Sodium heparin)

Specimen Volume: 3 mL

Collection Instructions:

1. Invert several times to mix blood.

2. Send whole blood specimen in original tube. Do not aliquot.

Specimen Stability Information: Ambient (preferred) 4 days/Refrigerated 4 days/Frozen 4 days

Additional Information:

1. Specimens are preferred to be received within 4 days of collection. Extraction will be attempted for specimens received after 4 days, and DNA yield will be evaluated to determine if testing may proceed.

2. To ensure minimum volume and concentration of DNA is met, the requested volume must be submitted. Testing may be canceled if DNA requirements are inadequate.

 

Specimen Type: Cord blood

Container/Tube:

Preferred: Lavender top (EDTA) or yellow top (ACD)

Acceptable: Green top (Sodium heparin)

Specimen Volume: 3 mL

Collection Instructions:

1. Invert several times to mix blood.

2. Send specimen in original tube. Do not aliquot.

Specimen Stability Information: Ambient (preferred) 4 days/Refrigerated 4 days/Frozen 4 days

Additional Information:

1. Specimens are preferred to be received within 4 days of collection. Extraction will be attempted for specimens received after 4 days, and DNA yield will be evaluated to determine if testing may proceed.

2. To ensure minimum volume and concentration of DNA is met, the requested volume must be submitted. Testing may be canceled if DNA requirements are inadequate.

3. While a properly collected cord blood sample may not be at risk for maternal cell contamination, unanticipated complications may occur during collection. Therefore, maternal cell contamination studies are recommended to ensure the test results reflect that of the patient tested and are available at an additional charge. Order MATCC / Maternal Cell Contamination, Molecular Analysis, Varies on the maternal specimen.

 

Specimen Type: Saliva

Patient Preparation: Patient should not eat, drink, smoke, or chew gum 30 minutes prior to collection.

Supplies: Saliva Collection Kit (T786)

Specimen Volume: 2 Swabs

Collection Instructions: Collect and send specimen per kit instructions.

Specimen Stability Information: Ambient (preferred) 30 days/Refrigerated 30 days

Additional information: Saliva specimens are acceptable but not recommended. Due to lower quantity/quality of DNA yielded from saliva, some aspects of the test may not perform as well as DNA extracted from a whole blood sample. When applicable, specific gene regions that were unable to be interrogated will be noted in the report. Alternatively, additional specimen may be required to complete testing.

 

Specimen Type: Blood spot

Supplies: Card-Blood Spot Collection (Filter Paper) (T493)

Container/Tube:

Preferred: Collection card (Whatman Protein Saver 903 Paper)

Acceptable: PerkinElmer 226 filter paper or blood spot collection card

Specimen Volume: 2 to 5 Blood spots

Collection Instructions:

1. An alternative blood collection option for a patient older than 1 year is a fingerstick. For detailed instructions, see How to Collect a Dried Blood Spot Sample.

2. Let blood dry on the filter paper at ambient temperature in a horizontal position for a minimum of 3 hours.

3. Do not expose specimen to heat or direct sunlight.

4. Do not stack wet specimens.

5. Keep specimen dry.

Specimen Stability Information: Ambient (preferred)/Refrigerated

Additional Information:

1. Blood spot specimens are acceptable but not recommended. Multiple extractions will be required to obtain sufficient yield for supplemental analysis, and there is significant risk for test failure due to insufficient DNA.

2. Due to lower concentration of DNA yielded from blood spot, some aspects of the test may not perform as well as DNA extracted from a whole blood sample. When applicable, specific gene regions that were unable to be interrogated will be noted in the report. Alternatively, additional specimen may be required to complete testing.

3. For collection instructions, see Blood Spot Collection Instructions

4. For collection instructions in Spanish, see Blood Spot Collection Card-Spanish Instructions (T777)

5. For collection instructions in Chinese, see Blood Spot Collection Card-Chinese Instructions (T800)

 

Specimen Type: Cultured fibroblasts

Source: Skin

Container/Tube: T-25 flask

Specimen Volume: 2 Flasks

Collection Instructions: Submit confluent cultured fibroblast cells from a skin biopsy. Cultured cells from a prenatal specimen will not be accepted.

Specimen Stability Information: Ambient (preferred) <24 hours/Refrigerated <24 hours

Additional Information:

1. Specimens are preferred to be received within 24 hours of collection. Culture and extraction will be attempted for specimens received after 24 hours and will be evaluated to determine if testing may proceed.

2. A separate culture charge will be assessed under CULFB / Fibroblast Culture for Biochemical or Molecular Testing. An additional 3 to 4 weeks are required to culture fibroblasts before genetic testing can occur.

 

Specimen Type: Skin biopsy

Supplies: Fibroblast Biopsy Transport Media (T115)

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.

Specimen Volume: 4-mm Punch

Specimen Stability Information: Ambient (preferred) <24 hours/Refrigerated <24 hours

Additional Information:

1. Specimens are preferred to be received within 24 hours of collection. Culture and extraction will be attempted for specimens received after 24 hours and will be evaluated to determine if testing may proceed.

2. A separate culture charge will be assessed under CULFB / Fibroblast Culture for Biochemical or Molecular Testing. An additional 3 to 4 weeks are required to culture fibroblasts before genetic testing can occur.

 

Specimen Type: Extracted DNA

Container/Tube:

Preferred: Screw Cap Micro Tube, 2 mL with skirted conical base

Acceptable: Matrix tube, 1mL

Collection Instructions:

1. The preferred volume is at least 100 mcL at a concentration of 75 ng/mcL.

2. Include concentration and volume on tube.

Specimen Stability Information: Frozen (preferred) 1 year/Ambient/Refrigerated

Additional Information: DNA must be extracted in a CLIA-certified laboratory or equivalent and must be extracted from a specimen type listed as acceptable for this test (including applicable anticoagulants). Our laboratory has experience with Chemagic, Puregene, Autopure, MagnaPure, and EZ1 extraction platforms and cannot guarantee that all extraction methods are compatible with this test. If testing fails, one repeat will be attempted, and if unsuccessful, the test will be reported as failed and a charge will be applied. If applicable, specific gene regions that were unable to be interrogated due to DNA quality will be noted in the report.

 

Prenatal Specimens

Due to its complexity, consultation with the laboratory is required for all prenatal testing; call 800-533-1710 to speak to a genetic counselor.

 

Specimen Type: Amniotic fluid

Container/Tube: Amniotic fluid container

Specimen Volume: 20 mL

Specimen Stability Information: Ambient (preferred) <24 hours/Refrigerated <24 hours

Additional Information: Specimen will only be tested after culture.

1. Specimens are preferred to be received within 24 hours of collection. Culture and extraction will be attempted for specimens received after 24 hours and will be evaluated to determine if testing may proceed.

2. A separate culture charge will be assessed under CULAF / Culture for Genetic Testing, Amniotic Fluid. An additional 2 to 3 weeks are required to culture amniotic fluid before genetic testing can occur.

3. All prenatal specimens must be accompanied by a maternal blood specimen; order MATCC / Maternal Cell Contamination, Molecular Analysis, Varies on the maternal specimen.

 

Specimen Type: Prenatal cultured amniocytes

This does not include cultured chorionic villi.

Container/Tube: T-25 flask

Specimen Volume: 2 Full Flasks

Collection Instructions: Submit confluent cultured cells from another laboratory

Specimen Stability Information: Ambient (preferred) <24 hours/Refrigerated <24 hours

Additional Information:

1. Specimens are preferred to be received within 24 hours of collection. Culture and extraction will be attempted for specimens received after 24 hours and will be evaluated to determine if testing may proceed.

2. A separate culture charge will be assessed under CULFB / Fibroblast Culture for Biochemical or Molecular Testing.

3. All prenatal specimens must be accompanied by a maternal blood specimen; order MATCC / Maternal Cell Contamination, Molecular Analysis, Varies on the maternal specimen.

 

Specimen Type: Chorionic villi

Container/Tube: 15-mL tube containing 15 mL of transport media

Specimen Volume: 20 mg

Specimen Stability Information: Ambient (preferred) <24 hours/Refrigerated <24 hours

Additional Information: Specimen will only be tested after culture.

1. Specimens are preferred to be received within 24 hours of collection. Culture and extraction will be attempted for specimens received after 24 hours and will be evaluated to determine if testing may proceed.

2. A separate culture charge will be assessed under CULFB / Fibroblast Culture for Biochemical or Molecular Testing. An additional 3 to 4 weeks are required to culture fibroblasts before genetic testing can occur.

3. All prenatal specimens must be accompanied by a maternal blood specimen; order MATCC / Maternal Cell Contamination, Molecular Analysis, Varies on the maternal specimen.

 

Specimen Type: Cultured chorionic villi

Container/Tube: T-25 flasks

Specimen Volume: 2 Full flasks

Collection Instructions: Submit confluent cultured cells from another laboratory

Specimen Stability Information: Ambient (preferred) <24 hours/Refrigerated <24 hours

Additional Information:

1. Specimens are preferred to be received within 24 hours of collection. Culture and extraction will be attempted for specimens received after 24 hours and will be evaluated to determine if testing may proceed.

2. A separate culture charge will be assessed under CULFB / Fibroblast Culture for Biochemical or Molecular Testing.

3. All prenatal specimens must be accompanied by a maternal blood specimen; order MATCC / Maternal Cell Contamination, Molecular Analysis, Varies on the maternal specimen.


Forms

1. New York Clients-Informed consent is required. Document on the request form or electronic order that a copy is on file. The following documents are available:

-Informed Consent for Genetic Testing (T576)

-Informed Consent for Genetic Testing-Spanish (T826)

2. Hereditary Renal Genetic Testing Patient Information (T918)

3. If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Renal Diagnostics Test Request (T830) with the specimen.

Useful For

Providing a genetic evaluation for patients with a personal or family history suggestive of Alagille syndrome

 

Establishing a diagnosis of Alagille syndrome

Genetics Test Information

This test utilizes next-generation sequencing to detect single nucleotide, small deletion-insertion, and copy number variants in two genes (JAG1, NOTCH2) associated with Alagille syndrome. See Targeted Genes and Methodology Details for Alagille Syndrome Gene Panel and Method Description for additional details.

 

Identification of a disease-causing variant may assist with diagnosis, prognosis, clinical management, familial screening, and genetic counseling for Alagille syndrome.

Method Name

Sequence Capture and Next Generation Sequencing (NGS)

Reporting Name

Alagille Syndrome Gene Panel

Specimen Type

Varies

Specimen Minimum Volume

See Specimen Required

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time
Varies Varies

Reject Due To

All specimens will be evaluated at Mayo Clinic Laboratories for test suitability.

Clinical Information

Alagille syndrome (ALGS) is a multisystemic genetic condition with a wide spectrum of clinical variability. Characteristic features of ALGS include bile duct paucity, cholestasis, congenital heart defects, butterfly vertebrae, eye findings, and facial features including a broad forehead, deeply set eyes, and a small, pointed chin.(1) Approximately 40% of individuals also have kidney disease. The kidney features may include structural abnormalities (eg, small hyperechoic kidney, kidney cysts, or ureteropelvic obstruction) as well as kidney dysfunction, such as renal tubular acidosis.

 

Disease-causing variants in the JAG1 gene account for approximately 94% to 97% of ALGS, while disease-causing NOTCH2 gene variants account for approximately 1% to 3% of cases.(1,2) A small percentage of individuals with a clinical diagnosis of ALGS do not have an identified disease-causing variant in either JAG1 or NOTCH2.

 

The severity of ALGS is highly variable among individuals, ranging from mild and subclinical, to severe heart or liver disease requiring transplantation. ALGS is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner. Approximately 30% to 50% of individuals inherit ALGS from an affected parent, while about 50% to 70% of cases are de novo. Parental somatic mosaicism and germline mosaicism have been reported.

Reference Values

An interpretive report will be provided.

Interpretation

All detected variants are evaluated according to American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics recommendations.(3) Variants are classified based on known, predicted, or possible pathogenicity and reported with interpretive comments detailing their potential or known significance.

Cautions

Clinical Correlations:

Test results should be interpreted in the context of clinical findings, family history, and other laboratory data. Misinterpretation of results may occur if the information provided is inaccurate or incomplete.

 

If testing was performed because of a clinically significant family history, it is often useful to first test an affected family member. Detection of a reportable variant in an affected family member would allow for more informative testing of at-risk individuals.

 

To discuss the availability of additional testing options or for assistance in the interpretation of these results, contact the Mayo Clinic Laboratories genetic counselors at 800-533-1710.

 

Technical Limitations:

Next-generation sequencing may not detect all types of genomic variants. In rare cases, false-negative or false-positive results may occur. The depth of coverage may be variable for some target regions; assay performance below the minimum acceptable criteria or for failed regions will be noted. Given these limitations, negative results do not rule out the diagnosis of a genetic disorder. If a specific clinical disorder is suspected, evaluation by alternative methods can be considered.

 

There may be regions of genes that cannot be effectively evaluated by sequencing or deletion and duplication analysis as a result of technical limitations of the assay, including regions of homology, high guanine-cytosine (GC) content, and repetitive sequences. Confirmation of select reportable variants will be performed by alternate methodologies based on internal laboratory criteria.

 

This test is validated to detect 95% of deletions up to 75 base pairs (bp) and insertions up to 47 bp. Deletions-insertions (delins) of 40 or more bp, including mobile element insertions, may be less reliably detected than smaller delins.

 

This analysis targets single and multi-exon deletions/duplications; however, in some instances single exon resolution cannot be achieved due to isolated reduction in sequence coverage or inherent genomic complexity. Balanced structural rearrangements (such as translocations and inversions) may not be detected.

 

This test is not designed to detect low levels of mosaicism or to differentiate between somatic and germline variants. If there is a possibility that any detected variant is somatic, additional testing may be necessary to clarify the significance of results.

 

For detailed information regarding gene specific performance and technical limitations, see Method Description or contact a laboratory genetic counselor.

 

If the patient has had an allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant or a recent non-leukocyte reduced blood transfusion, results may be inaccurate due to the presence of donor DNA. Call Mayo Clinic Laboratories for instructions for testing patients who have received a bone marrow transplant.

 

Reclassification of Variants:

Currently, it is not standard practice for the laboratory to systematically review previously classified variants on a regular basis. The laboratory encourages healthcare professionals to contact the laboratory at any time to learn how the classification of a particular variant may have changed over time.

 

Variant Evaluation:

Evaluation and categorization of variants are performed using published American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics and the Association for Molecular Pathology recommendations as a guideline.(3) Other gene-specific guidelines may also be considered. Variants are classified based on known, predicted, or possible pathogenicity and reported with interpretive comments detailing their potential or known significance. Variants classified as benign or likely benign are not reported.

 

Multiple in silico evaluation tools may be used to assist in the interpretation of these results. The accuracy of predictions made by in silico evaluation tools is highly dependent upon the data available for a given gene, and periodic updates to these tools may cause predictions to change over time. Results from in silico evaluation tools are interpreted with caution and professional clinical judgement.

 

Rarely, incidental findings or secondary findings may implicate another predisposition or presence of active disease. Incidental findings may include, but are not limited to, results related to the sex chromosomes. These findings will be carefully reviewed to determine whether they will be reported.

Clinical Reference

1. Spinner NB, Gilbert MA, Loomes KM, Krantz ID. Alagille syndrome. In: Adam MP, Ardinger HH, Pagon RA, et al, eds. GeneReviews [Internet]. University of Washington, Seattle; 2000. Updated January 4, 2024. Accessed April 21, 2025. at www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK1273/

2. Turnpenny P, Ellard S. Alagille syndrome: pathogenesis, diagnosis and management. Eur J Hum Genet. 2012;20(3):251-257

3. Richards S, Aziz N, Bale S, et al. Standards and guidelines for the interpretation of sequence variants: a joint consensus recommendation of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics and the Association for Molecular Pathology. Genet Med. 2015;17(5):405-424

Method Description

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) and/or Sanger sequencing are performed to test for the presence of variants in coding regions and intron/exon boundaries of the genes analyzed, as well as some other regions that have known pathogenic variants. The human genome reference GRCh37/hg19 build was used for sequence read alignment. At least 99% of the bases are covered at a read depth over 30X. Sensitivity is estimated at above 99% for single nucleotide variants, above 94% for deletions-insertions (delins) less than 40 base pairs (bp), above 95% for deletions up to 75 bp and insertions up to 47 bp. NGS and/or a polymerase chain reaction-based quantitative method is performed to test for the presence of deletions and duplications in the genes analyzed.

 

There may be regions of genes that cannot be effectively evaluated by sequencing or deletion and duplication analysis as a result of technical limitations of the assay, including regions of homology, high guanine-cytosine (GC) content, and repetitive sequences. See Targeted Genes and Methodology Details for Alagille Syndrome Gene Panel for details regarding the targeted genes analyzed for each test and specific gene regions not routinely covered.(Unpublished Mayo method)

 

Confirmation of select reportable variants may be performed by alternate methodologies based on internal laboratory criteria.

 

Genes analyzed: JAG1, NOTCH2

Day(s) Performed

Varies

Report Available

21 to 28 days

Specimen Retention Time

Whole blood: 28 days (if available); Saliva: 30 days (if available); Extracted DNA: 3 months; Blood Spots: 1 year (if available)

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

Test Classification

This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.

CPT Code Information

81407

81479

81479 (if appropriate for government payers)

LOINC Code Information

Test ID Test Order Name Order LOINC Value
ALAGP Alagille Syndrome Gene Panel 51966-0

 

Result ID Test Result Name Result LOINC Value
618031 Test Description 62364-5
618032 Specimen 31208-2
618033 Source 31208-2
618034 Result Summary 50397-9
618035 Result 82939-0
618036 Interpretation 69047-9
618037 Additional Results 82939-0
618038 Resources 99622-3
618039 Additional Information 48767-8
618040 Method 85069-3
618041 Genes Analyzed 48018-6
618042 Disclaimer 62364-5
618043 Released By 18771-6

NY State Approved

Yes

Testing Algorithm

Prenatal specimens only:

If an amniotic fluid specimen is received, an amniotic fluid culture will be performed at an additional charge.

 

If a chorionic villi, cultured chorionic villi, or cultured amniocyte specimen is received, a fibroblast culture will be performed at an additional charge.

 

For any prenatal specimen that is received, maternal cell contamination testing will be performed at an additional charge.

 

Skin biopsy or cultured fibroblast specimens:

For skin biopsy or cultured fibroblast specimens, a fibroblast culture will be performed at an additional charge.

Reflex Tests

Test ID Reporting Name Available Separately Always Performed
CULFB Fibroblast Culture for Genetic Test Yes No
CULAF Amniotic Fluid Culture/Genetic Test Yes No
MATCC Maternal Cell Contamination, B Yes No