Test Directory

Test Code
6FMR1
Test Name
Fragile X Carrier Screening
CPT Codes
81243
Expected Turnaround Time
Typically within 2 weeks from receipt of a sample in the laboratory
Clinical Utility
Genetic analysis to provide a molecular diagnosis of this disorder. Recommended for individuals with a personal and/or family history of this disorder to ensure appropriate treatment and establish recurrence risk for family members.
Specimen and Container Info

Preferred/Alternate

Specimen Type

Containers

Volume

Preferred Specimen Type

Whole Blood

Lavender Top (EDTA)

3 mL

Alternate Specimen Type

Genomic DNA

1.5 mL Tube

3 µg (at a concentration of at least 30 ng/µl), preferably in TE solution.


NOTE: For specimens from outside of North America, the preferred specimen type is Genomic DNA. HNL Genomics does not recommend shipping whole blood or cultured cells from any location other than the United States, Canada, or Mexico.

Transport Instructions
  • Transport at room temperature within 24 hours.
  • If the specimen cannot be transported to the lab within 24 hours, refrigerate for up to 72 hours.
  • Do not freeze or expose to extreme temperatures, refrigerate for up to 72 hours if cannot be transported to lab within 24 hours.  
Stability Requirements

Room Temperature

24 hours

Refrigerated

72 hours

Causes for Rejection
  • Improperly labeled specimen (minimum of two patient identifiers)
  • Inappropriate specimen type
  • Incomplete or incorrect test request form
  • Insufficient volume
  • Specimen has leaked in transit
  • Specimen without a test order
Methodology
PCR Fragment Length Analysis
Performing Location
Genomics - Snowdrift
Alternate Names
  • FMR1
  • Fragile X
  • Fragile X tremor/ataxia syndrome
  • Premature ovarian failure I
Description

This test is designed to detect individuals at risk of transmitting Fragile X related FMR1 gene 5'UTR CGG repeat expansions. Fragile X syndrome is one of the most common forms of inherited intellectual disability. Fragile X syndrome is an X-linked disorder that affects both males and females, but males are usually more severely affected. In addition to developmental delay and intellectual disability, individuals with Fragile X syndrome often have behavioral issues, autism spectrum disorder, and characteristic facial features. In 99% of affected individuals, Fragile X syndrome (MIM 300624) is caused by expansion of the CGG repeat sequence in the 5%u2019UTR of the FMR1 gene (NM_002024) to greater than 200 repeats. This repeat expansion causes hypermethylation of the FMR1 gene, resulting in silencing of FMR1 gene expression. The interpretation of Fragile X test results is based on the number of CGG repeats detected, using the following ranges: <45 repeats is Negative, 45-54 repeats is the Intermediate range, 55-200 repeats is a Premutation, and >200 repeats is a Full Mutation. Individuals with <55 repeats are at low risk for having a child with Fragile X syndrome; however, intermediate alleles may expand into the premutation range in future generations. Fragile X expansions are transmitted from the mother; therefore, females with repeat numbers in the premutation range (55-200 repeats) are at risk of having a child with Fragile X syndrome. Additionally, females in the premutation range may have fragile X-associated primary ovarian insufficiency (MIM 300623) resulting in menopause before the age of 40. Males, and some females, in the premutation range may develop fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (MIM 311360), a late onset disorder characterized by tremor, ataxia, and gradual cognitive decline. This test is intended for pre/post-conception carrier screening and is not intended for diagnostic testing.

Testing Schedule
Monday-Friday
Genes
FMR1
MIM
300624, 311360, 300623