MORL Screening Methodology

Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)

  • 1ml citrated plasma

Click here to print sample and shipping requirements.

  • Citrated plasma samples must be frozen to below -80°C immediately after separation from cells and shipped on dry ice. These samples remain viable for at least six months when stored at -80°C.

  • All citrated plasma samples MUST be processed and frozen down to -80°C immediately after collection
  • Labeled with the sample type AND patient’s name, DOB, MRN and sex
  • Cryovials should be put in zip lock bags and completely covered in dry ice to keep the sample frozen until it arrives in the lab
  • Shipped overnight on at least 5 lbs of dry ice
  • Shipping and receiving dock closed on weekends and holidays 
    • Deliveries accepted Monday - Friday 

If samples arrive thawed they will be REJECTED.

Click here to print sample and shipping requirements.

Information

Quick Facts

  • CPT code: 85397
  • Test code: 02ATS13
  • Turnaround time: 24 hours
  • Cost: $400
Requisition Form

To order:

Use this requisition form to order this test.

Background Knowledge

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is an exceptionally rare disorder characterized by the aggregation of platelets on unusually large von Willebrand factor (vWF) multimers, resulting in the formation of microthrombi within small blood vessels. This can potentially lead to multi-organ failure. In healthy individuals, ADAMTS13, a circulating protease, plays a crucial role by specifically cleaving large vWF multimers thereby significantly reducing platelet thrombi formation, especially under high shear stress. 

Low ADAMTS13 activity (<10%) can be found in the acquired form of TTP in association with ADAMTS13 autoantibodies. ADAMTS13 activity is absent (<10%) in the inherited form of TTP, which is known as Upshaw-Schülman syndrome.  

Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS; also known as complement-mediated TMA or CM-TMA) is another ultra-rare thrombotic microangiopathy. Over 50% of cases of aHUS/CM-TMA are caused by mutations in genes in the alternative complement pathway.  These patients often have reduced ADAMTS13 activity (<60% of normal but above 10% of normal) (Feng, et al., 2013).    

Feng S, et al.: Partial ADAMTS13 deficiency in atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome. Blood. 2013 Aug 22;122(8):1487-93. Epub 2013 Jul 11.

The Clinical Diagnostics Service of the Molecular Otolaryngology & Renal Research Laboratories is a CLIA-approved, Joint Commission-accredited diagnostic laboratory.