Molecular Genetic Testing in the United States: Comparison with International Practice

2008 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 187-193 ◽  
Author(s):  
Margaret M. McGovern ◽  
Rob Elles ◽  
Elettra Ronchi ◽  
Joe Boone ◽  
Ira M. Lubin
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Genetic Testing ◽  
Molecular Genetic ◽  
The United States ◽  
Molecular Genetic Testing

scholarly journals Clinical Utility of the Addition of Molecular Genetic Testing to Newborn Screening for Sickle Cell Anemia

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa M. Shook ◽  
Deidra Haygood ◽  
Charles T. Quinn
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Testing ◽  
Newborn Screening ◽  
Sickle Cell ◽  
Sickle Cell Anemia ◽  
Correct Diagnosis ◽  
Molecular Genetic ◽  
Final Diagnosis ◽  
The United States ◽  
Molecular Genetic Testing ◽  
Benign Condition

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a group of related yet genetically complex hemoglobinopathies. Universal newborn screening (NBS) for SCD is performed in the United States and many other nations. Classical, protein-based laboratory methods are often adequate for the diagnosis of SCD but have specific limitations in the context of NBS. A particular challenge is the differentiation of sickle cell anemia (SCA) from the benign condition, compound heterozygosity for HbS and gene-deletion hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin (HbS/HPFH). We describe a sequential cohort of 44 newborns identified over 4.5 years who had molecular genetic testing incorporated into NBS for presumed SCA (an “FS” pattern). The final diagnosis was something other than SCA in six newborns (12%). Three (7%) had HbS/HPFH. All had a final, correct diagnosis at the time of their first scheduled clinic visit in our center (median 8 weeks of age). None received initial counseling for an incorrect diagnosis. In summary, genetic testing as a component of NBS for SCD is necessary to provide correct genetic counseling and education for all newborns' families at their first visit to a sickle cell center. Genetic testing also permits the use of early, pre-symptomatic hydroxyurea therapy by preventing infants with HbS/HPFH from receiving unnecessary therapy. We argue that genetic testing should be incorporated into contemporary NBS for SCD.

scholarly journals Diagnosing Paraproteinemic Keratopathy: A Case Report

2021 ◽  
pp. 337-343
Author(s):  
Eugenie Mok ◽  
Ka Wai Kam ◽  
Anthony J. Aldave ◽  
Alvin L. Young
Keyword(s):  
Optical Coherence Tomography ◽  
Genetic Testing ◽  
Serum Protein ◽  
Molecular Genetic ◽  
Anterior Segment ◽  
Protein Electrophoresis ◽  
Serum Protein Electrophoresis ◽  
Optical Coherence ◽  
Molecular Genetic Testing ◽  
Corneal Opacities

A 65-year-old man presented with bilateral, painless, progressive blurring of vision over 9 years. Slit-lamp examination revealed bilateral subepithelial corneal opacities in clusters located at the mid-periphery. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography, in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM), serum protein electrophoresis, and molecular genetic testing were performed to evaluate the cause of corneal opacities. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography revealed a band-like, hyperreflective lesion in the Bowman layer and anterior stroma of both corneas. IVCM revealed hyperreflective deposits in the epithelium, anterior stroma, and endothelium. Serum protein electrophoresis identified the presence of paraproteins (immunoglobulin kappa), and molecular genetic testing revealed absence of mutations in the transforming growth factor beta-induced gene (<i>TGFBI</i>) and collagen type XVII alpha 1 gene (<i>COL17A1</i>). The ocular diagnosis of paraproteinemic keratopathy eventually led to a systemic diagnosis of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance by our hematologist/oncologist. Paraproteinemic keratopathy is a rare differential diagnosis in patients with bilateral corneal opacities and therefore may be misdiagnosed as corneal dystrophy or neglected as scars. In patients with bilateral corneal opacities of unknown cause, serological examination, adjunct anterior segment imaging, and molecular genetic testing play a role in establishing the diagnosis.

BRCA1/2 Genetic Testing in the Community Setting

2002 ◽  
Vol 20 (22) ◽  
pp. 4485-4492 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wendy Y. Chen ◽  
Judy E. Garber ◽  
Suzanne Higham ◽  
Katherine A. Schneider ◽  
Katie B. Davis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Ovarian Cancer ◽  
Genetic Testing ◽  
Cancer Prevention ◽  
Community Setting ◽  
The United States ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Prevention Strategies ◽  
History Of ◽  
Genetic Results

PURPOSE: BRCA1/2 genetic testing has been commercially available in the United States since 1996. Most published reports described BRCA1/2 testing as research studies at large academic centers, but less is known about testing in the community. This study evaluates the process and early outcomes of BRCA1/2 genetic testing as a clinical service in the community setting. METHODS: Surveys were mailed to women in the United States whose health care providers ordered BRCA1/2 genetic testing from Myriad Genetic Laboratories from August 1998 through July 2000. Women tested at 149 large academic centers were excluded. Main outcome measures were demographic characteristics, recall of and satisfaction with the genetic testing process, and likelihood of pursuing cancer prevention strategies. RESULTS: Among the 646 respondents, 414 (64%) had a personal history of cancer and 505 (78%) had at least one first-degree relative with breast and/or ovarian cancer. Most subjects (82%) recalled discussions of informed consent before testing (median time, 30 minutes). Genetic results were conveyed during an office visit (57%), by telephone (39%), or by mail (3%). More than 75% of respondents were “very satisfied with the counseling received.” Cancer-free subjects with a germline mutation were more likely to consider prevention strategies after receiving the genetic results. CONCLUSION: Virtually all respondents had a personal and/or family history of breast/ovarian cancer. Although pretest and posttest communications were not standardized, overall satisfaction with clinical breast cancer genetic testing was high. Additional follow-up will provide data on future cancer prevention practices and cancer incidence.

scholarly journals Initial Diagnostic Workup of Acute Leukemia: Guideline From the College of American Pathologists and the American Society of Hematology

2017 ◽  
Vol 141 (10) ◽  
pp. 1342-1393 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel A. Arber ◽  
Michael J. Borowitz ◽  
Melissa Cessna ◽  
Joan Etzell ◽  
Kathryn Foucar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Testing ◽  
Acute Leukemia ◽  
Lymphoblastic Leukemia ◽  
Molecular Genetic ◽  
Clinical Information ◽  
Molecular Genetic Testing ◽  
Acute Leukemias ◽  
Prognostic Evaluation ◽  
The Public ◽  
American Society

Context.— A complete diagnosis of acute leukemia requires knowledge of clinical information combined with morphologic evaluation, immunophenotyping and karyotype analysis, and often, molecular genetic testing. Although many aspects of the workup for acute leukemia are well accepted, few guidelines have addressed the different aspects of the diagnostic evaluation of samples from patients suspected to have acute leukemia. Objective.— To develop a guideline for treating physicians and pathologists involved in the diagnostic and prognostic evaluation of new acute leukemia samples, including acute lymphoblastic leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, and acute leukemias of ambiguous lineage. Design.— The College of American Pathologists and the American Society of Hematology convened a panel of experts in hematology and hematopathology to develop recommendations. A systematic evidence review was conducted to address 6 key questions. Recommendations were derived from strength of evidence, feedback received during the public comment period, and expert panel consensus. Results.— Twenty-seven guideline statements were established, which ranged from recommendations on what clinical and laboratory information should be available as part of the diagnostic and prognostic evaluation of acute leukemia samples to what types of testing should be performed routinely, with recommendations on where such testing should be performed and how the results should be reported. Conclusions.— The guideline provides a framework for the multiple steps, including laboratory testing, in the evaluation of acute leukemia samples. Some aspects of the guideline, especially molecular genetic testing in acute leukemia, are rapidly changing with new supportive literature, which will require on-going updates for the guideline to remain relevant.

Bioelectronic Sensor Technology for Detection of Cystic Fibrosis and Hereditary Hemochromatosis Mutations

2003 ◽  
Vol 127 (12) ◽  
pp. 1565-1572
Author(s):  
Susan H. Bernacki ◽  
Daniel H. Farkas ◽  
Wenmei Shi ◽  
Vivian Chan ◽  
Yenbou Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cystic Fibrosis ◽  
Genetic Testing ◽  
Cell Lines ◽  
Molecular Genetic ◽  
Hereditary Hemochromatosis ◽  
The Other ◽  
Molecular Diagnostic ◽  
Molecular Genetic Testing ◽  
Diagnostic Applications ◽  
Lymphocyte Cell

Abstract Context.—Bioelectronic sensors, which combine microchip and biological components, are an emerging technology in clinical diagnostic testing. An electronic detection platform using DNA biochip technology (eSensor) is under development for molecular diagnostic applications. Owing to the novelty of these devices, demonstrations of their successful use in practical diagnostic applications are limited. Objective.—To assess the performance of the eSensor bioelectronic method in the validation of 6 Epstein-Barr virus–transformed blood lymphocyte cell lines with clinically important mutations for use as sources of genetic material for positive controls in clinical molecular genetic testing. Two cell lines carry mutations in the CFTR gene (cystic fibrosis), and 4 carry mutations in the HFE gene (hereditary hemochromatosis). Design.—Samples from each cell line were sent for genotype determination to 6 different molecular genetic testing facilities, including the laboratory developing the DNA biochips. In addition to the bioelectronic method, at least 3 different molecular diagnostic methods were used in the analysis of each cell line. Detailed data were collected from the DNA biochip output, and the genetic results were compared with those obtained using the more established methods. Results.—We report the successful use of 2 applications of the bioelectronic platform, one for detection of CFTR mutations and the other for detection of HFE mutations. In all cases, the results obtained with the DNA biochip were in concordance with those reported for the other methods. Electronic signal output from the DNA biochips clearly differentiated between mutated and wild-type alleles. This is the first report of the use of the cystic fibrosis detection platform. Conclusions.—Bioelectronic sensors for the detection of disease-causing mutations performed well when used in a “real-life” situation, in this case, a validation study of positive control blood lymphocyte cell lines with mutations of public health importance. This study illustrates the practical potential of emerging bioelectronic DNA detection technologies for use in current molecular diagnostic applications.

STUDY OF CLINICAL CASES OF MYOCHE’S MYOPATHY AND DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS WITH OTHER TYPES OF ADVERSE MYOPATHIES

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Sarazhyna ◽  
Y. Solodovnikova ◽  
A. Son
Keyword(s):  
Case Report ◽  
Genetic Testing ◽  
Skeletal Muscles ◽  
Molecular Genetic ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Lower Limbs ◽  
Molecular Genetic Testing ◽  
Membrane Repair ◽  
Rare Type ◽  
A Cell

Markesbery-Griggs myopathy, Miyoshi type (MM) is a rare type of myopathy, a form muscular dystrophy with the main involvement of the lower girdle and distal parts of the legs. Due to complexity of genetic testing, the diagnosis is mainly made on the neurological examination of the patient, which adds value to this case report. The childhood or adolescence onset of the disease is characterized initially by the calf muscles` wasting, accompanied by the severe elevation of the serum creatine kinase, as well as a slowly progressive ascending course. The disease refers to dysferlinopathies with various mutations in the DYSF gene. The dysferlin protein is localized in the plasma membrane and in the T-tubule system of skeletal muscles. Physiologically, skeletal muscles are constantly exposed to micromembrane lesions. Depending on the severity, these damages are restored using various complexes. One of the main reparative complexes is the dysferlin-dependent mechanism. Mutations can lead to a defect in the membrane repair, causing the influx of Ca 2+ into the cell, which leads to a cell`s destruction. There are three genetically identifiable types of Miyoshi myopathy: MMD1, MMD2, MMD3. The main clinical signs of the disease are the muscle weakness and atrophy, with predominant involvement of the distal parts of the lower limbs, especially in the gastrocnemius and plantar muscles. The MM causes tip toe walking disturbances and difficulties in climbing the stairs. Progression of the disease and further atrophy leads to the wasting of the lower girdle muscles, mainly gluteal ones. Peculiarity of these myopathies is the absence of cardiomyopathy, due to the immunity of cardiomyocytes to a deficiency of the protein dysferelin. Diagnosis is made on the basis of muscle biopsy and molecular genetic testing. The gold standard is immunoblotting or immunohistochemistry. One of treatment methods is the use of improperly folded dysferlin (treatment with a proteasome inhibitor MG-132) in fibroblasts with restoration of membrane sealing. The aim of this case report is to present an example of a possible clinical diagnosis of MM in a young man, in the absence of opportunities for molecular genetic testing.

scholarly journals Genetic Testing by Sports Medicine Physicians in the United States: Attitudes, Experiences, and Knowledge

Sports ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 145
Author(s):  
Eleanor Taranto ◽  
Michael Fishman ◽  
Holly Benjamin ◽  
Lainie Ross
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Genetic Testing ◽  
Sports Medicine ◽  
Injury Risk ◽  
Expert Knowledge ◽  
Disease Risk ◽  
Sickle Cell Trait ◽  
Positive Family History ◽  
The United States ◽  
Medical Society

It remains unknown whether and how sports medicine physicians currently utilize genetic testing in their clinical practice. This study sought to assess knowledge of, experience with, and attitudes towards genetic testing by sports medicine physicians in the United States (US). An email with a survey hyperlink was distributed twice to members of the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine (AMSSM) listserv in September 2016, with approximately a 10% response rate. Questions focused on knowledge of, experience with, and attitudes towards testing for different genes related to sports proficiency, injury risk, and disease risk. Few AMSSM physicians believe that genetic testing to adapt training (12%) or to choose a sport (2%) is ready for clinical adoption. Most respondents self-reported minimal knowledge about, and limited experience with, genetic testing. The main exception was screening for sickle cell trait (SCT) for which most (84%) reported moderate/significant/expert knowledge and over two-thirds had ordered testing. Although most respondents thought it appropriate to counsel and test for health conditions associated with cardiac and connective tissue disorders in the setting of a positive family history, only a minority had been asked to do so. Five or fewer respondents (2%) had been asked to test for performance-associated variants (Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) II and Alpha-Actinin 3 (ACTN3)), and five or fewer (2%) would recommend changes based on the results. Our study provides a baseline of current US sports medicine physicians’ minimal experiences with, and knowledge of, genetic testing. The findings of our study indicate that sports medicine physicians require further genetics education as it relates to sports and exercise in order to be prepared to competently engage with their patients and to develop sound professional organizational policies.

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