Ordering Guidance

For a comprehensive hereditary cancer gene panel that includes BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, consider 1 of the following tests:

-BRGYP / Hereditary Breast/Gynecologic Cancer Panel, Varies

-PANCP / Hereditary Pancreatic Cancer Panel, Varies

-PRS8P / Hereditary Prostate Cancer Panel, Varies

Testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes as part of a customized panel is available. For more information see CGPH / Custom Gene Panel, Hereditary, Next-Generation Sequencing, Varies.

Targeted testing for familial variants (also called site-specific or known mutations testing) is available for these genes. For more information see FMTT / Familial Variant, Targeted Testing, Varies. To obtain more information about this testing option, call 800-533-1710.

Testing minors for adult-onset predisposition syndromes is discouraged by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics, and the National Society of Genetic Counselors.

Specimen Required

Patient Preparation: A previous bone marrow transplant from an allogenic donor will interfere with testing. For instructions for testing patients who have received a bone marrow transplant, call 800-533-1710.

Specimen Type: Whole blood

Container/Tube:

Preferred: Lavender top (EDTA) or yellow top (ACD)

Acceptable: Green top (Sodium heparin)

Specimen Volume: 3 mL

Collection Instructions:

1. Invert several times to mix blood.

2. Send whole blood specimen in original tube. Do not aliquot.

Specimen Stability Information: Ambient 4 days/Refrigerated 4 days/Frozen 4 days

Additional Information:

1. Specimens are preferred to be received within 4 days of collection. Extraction will be attempted for samples received after 4 days and DNA yield will be evaluated to determine if testing may proceed.

2. To ensure minimum volume and concentration of DNA is met, the preferred volume of blood must be submitted. Testing may be canceled if DNA requirements are inadequate.

Specimen Type: Saliva

Patient Preparation: Patient should not eat, drink, smoke, or chew gum 30 minutes prior to collection.

Supplies: Saliva Collection Kit (T786)

Specimen Volume: 1 Swab

Collection Instructions: Collect and send specimen per kit instructions.

Specimen Stability Information: Ambient (preferred) 30 days/Refrigerated 30 days

Additional information: Due to lower quantity/quality of DNA yielded from saliva, some aspects of the test may not perform as well as DNA extracted from a whole blood sample. When applicable, specific gene regions that were unable to be interrogated will be noted in the report. Alternatively, additional specimen may be required to complete testing.