Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Advanced Evaluation

Test Code
6520

Test Details


Test code:6520
Type of disorder:Motor Neuron Disorders
Disease(s) tested for:Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Genes Included: ALS2, ANG, C9orf72, CHMP2B, DCTN1, FIG4, FUS, OPTN, PFN1, SETX, SIGMAR1, SOD1, SQSTM1, TARDBP, UBQLN2, VAPB, VCP,
Informed Consent Required:This test requires physician attestation that patient consent has been received

Technical Information


Clinical Significance:ALS is characterized by progressive degeneration of upper and lower motor neurons leading to muscle stiffness, fasciculations, and atrophy. This test includes sequencing 16 genes including ALS2, ANG, CHMP2B, DCTN1, FIG4, FUS, OPTN, PFN1, SETX, SIGMAR1, SOD1, SQSTM1, TARDBP, UBQLN2, VAPB, VCP and C9orf72 repeat expansion test. This test has a sensitivity of 60-70% of familial ALS cases and 15% of sporadic ALS cases.

Typical Presentation: Gradual onset, progressive muscle failure weakness, fatigue, problems with swallowing, abnormal reflexes, cramping, fasciculations
Methodology: Next Generation Sequencing, Repeat Expansion Detection by PCR
Reference Range:Accompanies report

CPT Coding


The CPT codes provided are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payer being billed.

CPT:81403, 81404, 81405, 81406(4), 81479

Specimen Requirements


Please label each specimen tube with two forms of patient identification. These forms of identification must also appear on the requisition form.

Specimen Type:Whole blood
Specimen Stability: Room temperature: 10 days, Refrigerated: 10 days, Frozen: Unacceptable,
Specimen Requirements: 8 mL (6 mL minimum) whole blood collected in two (lavender-top) EDTA tubes. Pediatric (0-3 years): 2 mL (1 mL minimum)
Instructions:Higher blood volumes ensure adequate DNA quantity, which varies with WBC, specimen condition, and need for confirmatory testing. Patients, 0-3 years have higher WBC, yielding more DNA per mL of blood

Shipping Considerations


Transport Temperature:Room temperature
Set-up/Analytic Time:21-28 days

Additional Resources

Letters of Medical Necessity

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