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HelpTest Code NAGW Hexosaminidase A and Total Hexosaminidase, Leukocytes
Reporting Name
Hexosaminidase A and Total, WBCUseful For
Carrier detection and diagnosis of Tay-Sachs disease
Carrier detection and diagnosis of Sandhoff disease
Testing Algorithm
For more information see Tay-Sachs and Related Disorders Diagnostic Testing Algorithm
Performing Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Specimen Type
Whole Blood ACDOrdering Guidance
Testing for Tay-Sachs Disease and Sandhoff Disease
The following tests are available for diagnostic and carrier testing for Tay-Sachs and Sandhoff diseases.
NAGR / Hexosaminidase A and Total, Leukocytes/Molecular Reflex, Whole Blood:
-This is the recommended test for carrier testing for Tay-Sachs disease and Sandhoff disease.
-Testing begins with hexosaminidase A and total enzyme analysis. If the results are consistent with an affected or carrier for Tay-Sachs disease or Sandhoff disease, next generation sequencing to detect single nucleotide and copy number variants for HEXA or HEXB, respectively, will automatically be performed on the original specimen.
-This test is appropriate for males and pregnant or nonpregnant females.
NAGW / Hexosaminidase A and Total Hexosaminidase, Leukocytes (this test):
-This test can be used for diagnosis and carrier testing for Tay-Sachs disease or Sandhoff disease.
-Results for hexosaminidase A and total enzyme analysis are reported with recommendations for additional testing when appropriate. All follow-up testing must be ordered separately on new specimens.
-This test is appropriate for males and pregnant or nonpregnant females.
NAGS / Hexosaminidase A and Total Hexosaminidase, Serum:
-This test can be used for diagnosis and carrier testing for Tay-Sachs disease or Sandhoff disease.
-Results for hexosaminidase A and total enzyme analysis are reported with recommendations for additional testing when appropriate.
-If results indicate normal, indeterminate, or carrier status and the suspicion of Tay-Sachs disease remains high, MUGS / Hexosaminidase A, Serum for Tay-Sachs disease -B1 variant can typically be added and performed on the same specimen.
-With the exception of MUGS, all follow-up testing must be ordered separately on new specimens.
-This test is not appropriate for pregnant females or women receiving hormonal contraception. This test is appropriate for males and nonpregnant females.
-This test is particularly useful when it is difficult to obtain enough blood to perform leukocyte testing (NAGR or NAGW), as may be the case with infants.
MUGS / Hexosaminidase A, Serum:
-This is the recommended test for diagnosis and carrier testing for the B1 variant of Tay-Sachs disease. This test will not detect Sandhoff disease.
-This test should not be ordered as a first-line test. Rather, this test should be ordered when the NAGR, NAGW, NAGS indicate normal, indeterminate, or carrier results, and the suspicion of Tay-Sachs disease remains high. In most cases, this test can be performed on the original specimen collected for NAGS.
Shipping Instructions
For optimal isolation of leukocytes, it is recommended the specimen arrive refrigerated within 6 days of collection to be stabilized. Collect specimen Monday through Thursday only and not the day before a holiday. Specimen should be collected and packaged as close to shipping time as possible.
Specimen Required
Container/Tube:
Preferred: Yellow top (ACD solution B)
Acceptable: Yellow top (ACD solution A)
Specimen Volume: 6 mL
Collection Instructions: Send whole blood specimen in original tube. Do not aliquot.
Specimen Minimum Volume
5 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whole Blood ACD | Refrigerated (preferred) | 6 days | YELLOW TOP/ACD |
| Ambient | 6 days | YELLOW TOP/ACD |
Reject Due To
| Gross hemolysis | Reject |
Special Instructions
Reference Values
Hexosaminidase total
≤15 years: ≥20 nmol/min/mg
≥16 years: 16.4-36.2 nmol/min/mg
Hexosaminidase percent A
≤15 years: 20-80% of total
≥16 years: 63-75% of total
Day(s) Performed
Preanalytical processing: Monday through Saturday
Assay performed: FridayTest Classification
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.CPT Code Information
83080 x 2
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| NAGW | Hexosaminidase A and Total, WBC | 87544-3 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| 8775 | Hexosaminidase Total, WBC | 24075-4 |
| 2294 | Hexosaminidase Percent A, WBC | 23825-3 |
| 2284 | Interpretation (NAGW) | 59462-2 |
| 35029 | Reviewed By | 18771-6 |
Report Available
2 to 8 daysForms
1. New York Clients-Informed consent is required. Document on the request form or electronic order that a copy is on file. The following documents are available:
-Informed Consent for Genetic Testing (T576)
-Informed Consent for Genetic Testing-Spanish (T826)
2. Biochemical Genetics Patient Information (T602)
3. If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Biochemical Genetics Test Request (T798) with the specimen.