Diagnosis of patients with Fabry disease
Due to random X-chromosome inactivation, enzyme results may not reflect Fabry disease carrier status in females
Yellow ACD (A or B)
Immediately following collection, mix by inverting 8 - 10 times to prevent clotting
Submit entire specimen, unspun
Yellow ACD (A or B)
Refrigerated - 4 days
Frozen - NO
Specimens must arrive at the testing laboratory within 4 days of collection.
Determination of enzymatic activity with 4-methylumbelliferyl-α-D-galactopyranoside
≥35.6 nmol/hr/mg
Signs and symptoms include angiokeratomas, ocular opacities, painful neuropathy in the extremities, progressive renal insufficiency and cardiac hypertrophy. Untreated, death usually occurs in early to mid-adulthood. Treatment is available for individuals with Fabry disease. Confirmation of the clinical diagnosis in affected hemizygous males can be accomplished by demonstration of deficient α-galactosidase A activity in plasma or leukocytes. However, determination of carrier status in heterozygous females typically cannot be accomplished by testing α-galactosidase A activity. Indications for Fabry disease analysis include: family history of Fabry disease and clinical characteristics of Fabry disease.