Genetic testing for hereditary erythrocytosis (R405)
Erythrocytosis is defined by a raised red blood cell count.
Background information
Most individuals are asymptomatic or have mild symptoms such as headache and dizziness, but may still have elevated risk of stroke. Secondary causes and acquired JAK2 mutations are a far more common cause than germline mutations, and should be excluded before requesting this panel test (see M85 for somatic testing for exclusion of myeloproliferative neoplasms).
Testing strategy
Clinically affected probands
R405.1 - analysis for small variants in the small NGS gene panel
Genes tested
Genes analysed are in accordance with the 'green' high evidence of clinical association gene list in panel app (see NGS gene panel).
Targetted analysis for known / previously reported familial variants
- Presymptomatic testing in clinically unaffected family members at risk of inheriting a previously reported familial pathogenic variant (R242)
- Diagnostic confirmation in individuals at risk of inheriting a previously reported familial pathogenic variant and clinically suspected of having the familial condition (R240)
- Segregation studies in affected family members to aid variant interpretation (R375)
- Carrier testing in relatives of clinically affected patients with an autosomal recessive condition (mutation known) (R244).
Target reporting times
Diagnostic test target reporting time is 42 days.
Presymptomatic, segregation and carrier testing target reporting time is 42 days, unless the test is urgent in which case the target is 21 days.
Prenatal diagnosis for familial variant target reporting time is 3 days.
For other reporting times, please see turnaround times.
Sample requirements and referral information
All referrals should be accompanied by a completed pre-referral form. See referral forms and specimen requirements and referring samples.
Clinical guidance and advice is available to referring clinicians from:
Dr NoƩmi Roy
Consultant Haematologist
John Radcliffe Hospital
Email: noemi.roy@ouh.nhs.uk
Requesting specialties
- Haematology
- Clinical Genetics
Contact details
Haematology specific enquiries can also be emailed.
Email: molecularhaem.oxfordgenetics@ouh.nhs.uk
For other contact details, see contact us.
Price list for non NHSE referrals
Price list for rare disease services (pdf)
Last reviewed:26 April 2024