Ordering Guidance

Polycythemia vera and acquired causes of erythrocytosis should be excluded before ordering this evaluation. See Erythrocytosis Genotyping Comparison Chart for a comparison of erythrocytosis testing options. If this test is ordered in the setting of erythrocytosis and suspicion of polycythemia vera, interpretation requires correlation with a concurrent or recent prior bone marrow evaluation.

For an evaluation including hemoglobin electrophoresis testing and hereditary erythrocytosis variant analysis of the most common gene regions associated with hereditary erythrocytosis in an algorithmic fashion, order REVE2 / Erythrocytosis Evaluation, Blood.

The hemoglobin genes, HBA1/HBA2 and HBB are not interrogated in this assay.

Multiple gene panels are available. For more information see NHEP and Subpanel Comparison Gene List.

Customization of this panel and single gene analysis for any gene present on this panel are 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 variants testing) is available for the genes on this panel. See FMTT / Familial Variant, Targeted Testing, Varies. To obtain more information about this testing option, call 800-533-1710.

Shipping Instructions

Necessary Information

1. Erythrocytosis Patient Information is required. Testing may proceed without the patient information, however, the information aids in providing a more thorough interpretation. Ordering providers are strongly encouraged to fill out the form and send with the specimen.

2. If form not provided, include the following information with the test request: clinical diagnosis, pertinent clinical history (ie, complete blood cell count results and relevant clinical notes), and differentials based on clinical presentation and/or laboratory findings.

Specimen Required

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

Specimen Type: Whole blood

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

Container/Tube:

Preferred: Lavender top (EDTA)

Acceptable: Yellow top (ACD)

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 (preferred) 4 days/Refrigerated

Specimen Type: Skin biopsy

Supplies: Fibroblast Biopsy Transport Media (T115)

Container/Tube: Sterile container with any standard cell culture media (eg, minimal essential media, RPMI 1640). The solution should be supplemented with 1% penicillin and streptomycin.

Specimen Volume: 4-mm punch

Specimen Stability Information: Refrigerated (preferred)/Ambient

Additional Information: A separate culture charge will be assessed under CULFB / Fibroblast Culture for Biochemical or Molecular Testing, Chorionic Villi/Products of Conception/Tissue. An additional 3 to 4 weeks is required to culture fibroblasts before genetic testing can occur.

Specimen Type: Cultured fibroblast

Container/Tube: T-25 flask

Specimen Volume: 2 Flasks

Collection Instructions: Submit confluent cultured fibroblast cells from a skin biopsy from another laboratory. Cultured cells from a prenatal specimen will not be accepted.

Specimen Stability Information: Ambient (preferred)/Refrigerated (<24 hours)

Additional Information: A separate culture charge will be assessed under CULFB / Fibroblast Culture for Biochemical or Molecular Testing, Chorionic Villi/Products of Conception/Tissue. An additional 3 to 4 weeks is required to culture fibroblasts before genetic testing can occur.