Easing the journey
Integrated, end-to-end testing in one laboratory
Mayo Clinic’s commitment to meeting the needs of every patient, from the smallest to the tallest, is central to our approach to pediatric gastroenterology testing. Developed in collaboration with Mayo Clinic’s top-ranked GI experts, our comprehensive menu of disease-specific tests enables personalized answers to optimize outcomes for the youngest patients.
Our integrated approach to pediatric and adult testing enables coordinated evaluations for family members who display similar gastrointestinal presentations. We offer a robust menu of genetic tests to identify inherited disorders and provide insights about genetic variations associated with disease presence. A focus on diversity and equity in health care translates into testing that minimizes iatrogenic health care disparities in certain populations. This lowers the risk of poor outcomes related to medical mismanagement and medication-related toxicity.
By the numbers
25%
of patients with IBD present before age 201
20%
of all patients with ulcerative colitis are diagnosed in childhood2
15%
of patients with IBD presenting before age 6 may have a monogenetic disorder3
Clinically backed evaluations
From serologic testing for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), to genetic analysis for celiac disease, to noninvasive fecal testing for Helicobacter pylori, our pediatric testing menu spans the spectrum of GI conditions. Our expansive test offerings, combined with utilization of emerging technologies, provide physicians an array of clinically backed choices that enable rapid results for time-sensitive treatment decisions. Because we understand the burden of invasive specimen collection on children, we offer non- or minimally invasive testing options whenever possible.
Inflammatory bowel disease testing
Mayo Clinic Laboratories offers an array of testing to assist with the diagnosis and management of IBD, including first-line fecal testing for Calprotectin; serologic analysis of clinically relevant antibodies; and genetic evaluation to assist in diagnosing early-onset IBD.
Key testing
CALPR | Calprotectin, Feces
IBDP2 | Inflammatory Bowel Disease Serology Panel, Serum
IBDGP | Inflammatory Bowel Disease Primary Immunodeficiency (PID) Panel, Varies
Webinar: Our proactive approach to young patients with IBD
Ann Moyer, M.D., Ph.D., discusses our integrated approach to pediatric and adult testing that enables coordinated evaluations for family members who display similar gastrointestinal presentations.
Thiopurine management testing
Thiopurines are widely known as effective treatment for patients with IBD. However, a significant portion of these patients displays individual variation in thiopurine metabolism, resulting in increased risk for adverse reactions and/or a suboptimal therapeutic response. Thiopurine testing is particularly important for pediatric patients, as well as patients of specific ethnicities who show an increased prevalence of genes associated with thiopurine toxicity.5 Learn more about Mayo Clinic’s approach to pediatric thiopurine testing.
Testing for biologics management
Our reflexive approach to measure adalimumab and infliximab concentrations aligns with the American Gastroenterology Association (AGA) and can guide physicians in making treatment decisions for pediatric IBD patients. We perform only clinically relevant testing for patients who have very low-trough drug concentrations in their serum, benefitting patients and reducing costs for ordering institutions.
Key tests
Reflexive testing
INFXR | Infliximab Quantitation with Reflex to Antibodies to Infliximab, Serum
Panel testing
For newer therapies that lack well-established therapeutic thresholds and optimal concentrations associated with good outcomes, panel testing that performs for quantitation and antibody analysis can be useful.
Biomarker analysis
Targeted biomarker analysis has recently shown utility in determining risk of immunogenicity to anti-TNF therapies. A recent genome-wide associate study performed in a cohort of 1,610 anti-TNF-naïve patients with Crohn’s disease found carriers of the HLA-DQA1*05 allele had almost double the risk of immunogenicity to anti-TNF therapies.6
CELI | Celiac Associated HLA-DQ Alpha 1 and DQ Beta 1 DNA Typing, Blood
Celiac disease testing
Mayo Clinic Laboratories’ algorithmic approach to celiac disease testing enables definitive answers to a diagnostically challenging condition.
Key tests
Cascade benefits:
Comprehensive, consolidative testing
Mayo Clinic Laboratories’ FilmArray gastrointestinal panel is a multi-plex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test that quickly and quantitatively detects 13 types of bacteria, four parasites, and five viruses from stool.
Key test
GIP | Gastrointestinal Pathogen Panel, PCR, Feces
Testing for malabsorption disorders
Malabsorption syndrome encompasses several disorders, including disaccharidase deficiency, that impact the ability of the small intestine to absorb macronutrients, micronutrients, or both. Because malabsorption syndrome can be caused by myriad factors, identifying the underlying issue is critical for treatment success. We use a panel-based approach to evaluate patients for disaccharidase deficiency when serological testing, imaging studies, and breath testing are negative.
Key test
DSAC | Disaccharidase Activity Panel, Tissue
Helicobacter pylori testing
Mayo Clinic Laboratories offers a unique, noninvasive option that uses a single fecal specimen for rapid molecular detection of H. pylori. Clinically available only through Mayo Clinic Laboratories, this polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay defines clarithromycin susceptibility based on interrogating the three 23S ribosomal RNA gene mutations most commonly associated with clarithromycin resistance. Our H. pylori diagnostic algorithm can help determine who is a good candidate for this test. Learn more about Mayo Clinic’s approach to H. pylori testing.
Testing for inherited disorders
Mayo Clinic Laboratories offers targeted testing for hereditary GI conditions to help oncologists understand their patients’ risk of developing certain illnesses, including some cancers, in children with a family history of the disease. Developed by Mayo Clinic experts and backed by genetic counselors, these evaluations use next-generation sequencing to evaluate genes with known disease associations for insights that propel personalized treatment for patients identified as having inherited syndromes.
Key test
HPPAN | Hereditary Pancreatitis Panel, Varies
CRCGP | Hereditary Gastrointestinal Cancer Panel, Varies
CHLGP | Cholestasis Gene Panel, Varies
References