The Utilization of JAK2 Molecular Testing at the University of Minnesota Medical Center
Abstract Objectives JAK2 gene mutation status is included in the 2017 WHO diagnostic criteria of a myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) and therefore indicated in the diagnostic workup. Overutilization and inappropriate testing, however, can cause harm and lead to medical errors, and most importantly, it can significantly drive up the costs of patients’ care. Here we report an attempt to evaluate the success rate and the associated costs of JAK2 testing as well as to correlate it with clinical indications and patient presentation. Methods We conducted the analysis of next-generation testing orders/results performed at out institution between 9/2/2015 and 7/13/2018. We reviewed the rate of positive results as well as the type of order submitted to laboratory and compared the costs of individual tests. Results We analyzed 3,474 NGS orders/results performed at our institution. Of those, 1,203 were submitted for JAK2 testing, making this the most commonly ordered NGS test. Out of 1,203 results, there were 820 unique patient specimens and 118 tested positive (15%). The JAK2 testing was primarily ordered as part of the NGS MPN panel, which includes JAK2, CALR, and MPL mutation hotspots (70%), the custom panel (23%), JAK2 single gene (5%), or as part of comprehensive myeloid panel (2%). The mutation detection rate was 15%, 12%, 11%, and 15%, respectively. Conclusion Testing for JAK2 gene mutation status is the most commonly ordered NGS test in our laboratory. The detection rate for pathogenic mutation, irrespective of the type of genetic panel ordered, was 11% to 15%. Our analysis of the JAK2 ordering and reporting suggests that the JAK2 testing may be somewhat overutilized at our institution. An ongoing analysis of clinical indications, patient presentation, and associated costs will help to fully elucidate the true utility of this testing and will be included in the poster presentation.