Genetic mutations cause up to 15% of cases of Parkinson's disease. In this test-specific episode of the "Answers From the Lab" podcast, Zhiyv (Neal) Niu, Ph.D., and Rodolfo Savica, M.D., Ph.D., explain why Mayo Clinic Laboratories' gene panel outperforms other commercially available tests for inherited Parkinson's disease.

"Our test is the most comprehensive available in the market. It looks at 94 genes — more than three times the number analyzed in other commercially available tests," Dr. Savica says.

The novel panel identifies not only mutations known to cause Parkinson's disease but also mutations that increase the risk of developing it.

"This test can be incredibly helpful for patients who have a family history of Parkinson's disease and also patients with earlier onset of disease," Dr. Savica says. "We now have a bigger piece of the puzzle — something that can really allow an individualized approach towards Parkinson's disease."

Listen to learn more about Mayo Clinic Laboratories' inherited Parkinson's disease gene panel.

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Testing

PARDP  | Inherited Parkinson Disease Gene Panel, Varies

Useful information

• Establishing a molecular diagnosis for patients with Parkinson disease
• Identifying variants within genes known to be associated with Parkinson disease, allowing for predictive testing of at-risk family members

Specimen requirements

Patient Preparation:

A previous bone marrow transplant from an allogenic donor will interfere with testing. Call 800-533-1710 for instructions for testing patients who have received a bone marrow transplant.

Specimen Type: Whole blood

Container/Tube: Lavender top (EDTA) or yellow top (ACD)

Acceptable: Any anticoagulant

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)/Refrigerated

Performance information

• Analytic time: 28 to 42 days
• Day(s) and time(s) performed: Varies

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