Postmortem Cardiovascular Genetic Testing [A Test in Focus]
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Mayo Medical Laboratories is the first clinical laboratory to offer postmortem genetic tests for inheritable cardiovascular disorders on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue as a preferred sample type. This test can provide answers for cause of death and give families the answers they are looking for in cases pertaining to sudden cardiac death or unexplained death.
VIDEO OVERVIEW
Postmortem Genetic Tests
The following tests provide a postmortem genetic evaluation in the setting of sudden unexplained death and suspicion of inherited cardiac disorders. The identification of a pathogenic variant in the decedent may assist with risk assessment and predictive testing of at-risk family members.
- Postmortem Arrhythmia Panel (ID: PMARP)
Suspicion of long QT or Brugada syndrome
Test Catalog | Overview PDF
- Postmortem Cardiomyopathy Panel (ID: PMCMP)
Personal or family history suggestive of hereditary cardiomyopathy
Test Catalog | Overview PDF - Postmortem Marfan and Related Panel (ID: PMMFR)
Personal or family history suggestive of Marfan syndrome, Loeys-Dietz syndrome, thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissections, or a related disorder
Test Catalog | Overview PDF - Postmortem Noonan and Related Panel (ID: PMNSR)
Suspicion for Noonan syndrome or related disorders
Test Catalog | Overview PDF
Specimen Information
Specimen Type
- Varies
Advisory Information
This test is intended for use when EDTA whole blood is not available and formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue or blood spots are the only available samples. If EDTA whole blood is available, order one of the following:
- Brugada Syndrome Multi-Gene Panel, Blood (ID: BRGGP)
Test Catalog | Overview PDF - Long QT Syndrome Multi-Gene Panel, Blood (ID: LQTGP)
Test Catalog | Overview PDF - Marfan Syndrome and Related Disorders Multi-Gene Pane, Blood (ID: MFRGP)
Test Catalog | Overview PDF - Comprehensive Cardiomyopathy Multi-Gene Panel, Blood (ID: CCMGP)
Test Catalog | Overview PDF - Noonan Syndrome and Related Disorders Multi-Gene Panel, Blood (ID: NSRGP)
Test Catalog | Overview PDF
Necessary Information
Include physician name and phone number with the specimen.
Specimen Type - Preferred
Specimen Type: Tissue
Container/Tube: Tissue block
Specimen Volume: 3 mL
Collection Instructions: Submit a formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue block.
Specimen Stability Information: Ambient (preferred)/Refrigerated
Specimen Type - Acceptable
Specimen Type: Blood spot
Container/Tube: Whatman FTA Classic Card or Whatman Protein Saver 903 Card
Specimen Volume: 4-5 blood spots
Collection Instructions:
1. Completely fill at least 3 circles on the filter paper card (approximately 80 microliters of blood per circle)
2. Let blood dry on the filter paper at ambient temperature in a horizontal position for 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
How to Order
Many hospitals across the country have already established an account with Mayo Medical Laboratories. Please click on the links below to register for an account, sign-in, or request a MML representative contact you to discuss your current account status and ordering options.
Registration for an account takes less than 10 minutes, and new accounts are typically processed and available in one business day. Once registered, sign in and locate the test in the Test Catalog and click the "Order This Test" button. Follow the prompts to provide billing and contact information. Print the test requisition form to ship with the specimen.
