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Test Code LAB3165 Hexosaminidase Levels A+B

Clinical System Name

Hexosaminidase Levels A + B

Synonyms

I Cell Disease

Tay Sachs

Sandhoffs

GM2 gangliosidosis

HEX AB Ta

 

Sample Requirements

Specimen: Whole Blood

Container(s): Dark Green/Sodium Heparin tube, Yellow/ACD A or B, Serum from Gold SST or Red top tubes

Preferred Vol:  2.0 mL

Minimum Vol: 1.0 mL

 

 

Processing Instructions

Reject due to:

Spin: Y

Aliquot:Y

Temp:-20 C

Storage location: Biochemical Genetics Box -20 C

 

 

Specimen should be spun and aliquoted within 2 hours of collection.

 

 

Off-site collection:  Transport  to Laboratory immediately.

Stability

Specimen Type Temperature Time
Aliquoted Serum/Plasma Refrigerated

7 days

  Freezer (-20 C)-preferred 1 month

 

Availability

STAT Performed TAT
N Weekly 7  days

Contact the Biochemical Genetics Lab for requests outside of stated availability (206)987-2216.

Performing Laboratory

Seattle Children's Laboratory    

Department

Department:  Biochemical Genetics

Phone Number: 206-987-2216

 

 

CPT Codes

83080

Methodology

Method:  Enzymatic/Fluorometric; 4-methylumbelliferyl substrate with heat inactivation

Analytical Volume:

Limitations:

Reference Range

 

Specimen Type Normal Range <1 yr Normal Range > 1 yr

Total hexosaminidase (serum)

1080-4400 600-1844 nmol/hr/mL
% Hex A 42-73% 42-73%

Carrier testing not performed

Description

Enzyme analysis of total hexosaminidase and % hexosaminidase A for diagnosis of GM 2 gangliosidosis (Tay-Sachs, Sandhoff) and evaluation of I-Cell disease.

Clinical Utility

Hexosaminidase A deficiency results in a group of neurodegenerative disorders caused by the accumulation of a cellular lipid called GM 2 ganglioside. This glycosphingolipid accumulates in the lysosomes causing progressive weakness, neurological deterioration, seizures, loss of milestones and loss of vision.

The disorders range from acute infantile onset  (classic Tay Sachs disease) to juvenile, chronic and adult-onset forms. The diagnosis of hexosaminidase A deficiency is characterized by absent or profoundly deficient beta-hexosaminidase A activity in the presence of normal beta-hexosaminidase B activity.

 

Patients with I Cell disease (mucolipidosis type I or II) have extreme elevation of serum/plasma total hexosaminidase.

 

Carrier testing by enzyme analysis is not available.

Requisition

Biochemical Genetics Requisition

 

On the requisition include clinical information needed for appropriate interpretation. (Age, gender, drug therapy and family history)

Special Instructions

Links to:

Consent Forms

Algorithms