Identifying underlying genetic disorders plays an important role in the treatment and care of patients with liver disease. Appropriate use of screening tests in routine clinical practice can rule out possible causes of liver disease and assist in early identification and treatment of genetic liver diseases to prevent terminal organ damage.
Genetic liver disease Test menu
Our state-of-the-art proteotype assessment detects disease-causing variants S and Z.
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Our comprehensive, next-generation sequencing panel detects for variations in 112 genes associated with cholestasis.
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Highlights
Devin Oglesbee, Ph.D., explains how Mayo Clinic Laboratories' cholestasis gene panel identifies mutations that cause low flow of bile from the liver. Test results help guide treatment decisions that can prevent liver damage.
After local lab testing has identified individuals with increased transferrin-iron saturation in serum and serum ferritin, molecular testing can be done to establish or confirm the diagnosis of hereditary hemochromatosis.
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For patients who present with hepatosplenomegaly, which typically occurs as a result of chronic hepatic dysfunction or enzymatic deficiency, screening tests can play an important role in the diagnostic work-up.
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Late-onset lysosomal acid lipase deficiency (LAL-D) is likely underdiagnosed and frequently identified after liver pathology reveals findings similar to NAFLD or NASH. Early diagnosis of LAL-D is critical to stopping the progression of the disease, as studies have shown that nearly 50% of pediatric and adult LAL-D patients progress to fibrosis, cirrhosis, or liver transplantation within three years of first clinical manifestation.
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Advantages
Early diagnosis of Wilson disease allows for treatment and prevention of permanent organ damage. However, diagnosis can be challenging because its signs and symptoms are often hard to distinguish from those of other liver diseases, such as hepatitis. To aid clinicians, our algorithmic approach to testing ensures the right test is performed at the right time.
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