Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL Deletion Analysis)
- Synonyms: Von Hippel's Disease
- LIS Mnemonic: MBVHLMLPA
Collect
Collect whole blood in a purple top (EDTA) tube.
Volume Required
5 ml
Minimum Required
3 ml
Transport
Refrigerate sample until shipment. Send the sample at room temperature with overnight delivery for receipt Monday through Friday within 24 hours of collection.
Stability
Whole blood can be refrigerated until shipment.
Unacceptable conditions
Heparinized specimens, severely hemolyzed specimens, frozen, clotted or possibly commingled specimens, blood in non-sterile or leaky containers, mislabeled or inappropriately labeled specimens.
Specimen Handling
Do not heat, freeze or centrifuge blood before shipment. Refrigerate sample until shipment.
Days Performed
Mon - Fri 9:00am to 4:00pm
Reported
4-6 weeks
CPT
81403
Disease Information
Clinical Features:
von Hippel-Lindau disease (VHL) is a cancer predisposition syndrome characterized by the development of hemangioblastomas of the brain, spinal cord, and retina; renal cysts and clear cell renal cell carcinoma; pheochromocytoma; and endolymphatic sac tumors. Renal cell carcinoma occurs in about 40% of patients and is the leading cause of mortality. The diagnosis of VHL syndrome is suspected in individuals with two characteristic lesions (including hemangioblastomas, renal cysts and renal cell carcinoma, pheochromocytoma, and endolymphatic sac tumors) or a single lesion and a positive family history. Early detection of VHL syndrome may allow for intervention and improved outcome as well as facilitate pre-symptomatic screening for family members since 80% of VHL mutations are inherited (20% are de novo mutations).
Molecular Genetics:
VHL is the only gene known to be associated with VHL syndrome. The VHL tumor suppressor gene is located on chromosome 3p26-p25. The inheritance pattern is autosomal dominant. Molecular genetic testing of the VHL gene detects mutations in nearly 100% of affected individuals. Approximately 72% of VHL mutations are point mutations detected by sequence analysis. Approximately 28% of VHL mutations are partial or complete gene deletions detectable by multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification assay.
Test Methods:
Large deletions and duplications in the VHL gene are detected using multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification assay (MLPA).
Detection Rate:
The analytical sensitivity for MLPA is close to 100%.
Related Tests:
Known mutation analysis of the VHL gene is available to family members for mutations previously identified by sequence analysis or deletion/duplication analysis.
Prenatal Testing is available to individuals who are confirmed carriers of mutations in the VHL gene. Please contact the laboratory director to discuss appropriate testing prior to collecting a prenatal specimen.
We offer the following tests related to Renal Cell Carcinoma:
Hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal carcinoma- FH Gene Sequencing and Deletion Analysis
Birt-Hogg-Dube – FLCN Gene Mutation Screen
Hereditary papillary renal carcinoma – MET proto-oncogene
We offer the following tests related to Pheochromocytoma:
Hereditary Paraganglioma – SDHB sequence and deletion analysis
Hereditary Paraganglioma – SDHC sequence and deletion analysis
Hereditary Paraganglioma – SDHD sequence and deletion analysis
Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 2 - MEN2A and MEN2B analysis
Results:
Test results with interpretation will be mailed and/or faxed to the referring physician following completion of the test. Additional reports will be provided as requested.
Utility:
The clinical utility of these assays is to confirm a clinical diagnosis of VHL, facilitate pre-symptomatic testing of at risk relatives, rule out VHL in individuals with limited expression of disease, confirm the need for clinical surveillance in patients positive for a mutation, and to facilitate prenatal diagnosis.
Remarks
Whole blood in EDTA purple top tubes is the preferred sample. High molecular weight genomic DNA, cheek epithelial cells, or other samples containing DNA may be acceptable. Contact the laboratory for specific instructions regarding such samples before sending the sample.
Contact Us
- (215) 590-8736
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