Fucosidosis: Alpha-fucosidase Enzyme Analysis

Clinical Information

Fucosidosis is a lysosomal storage disease that is primarily characterized by coarse facial features, dysostosis multiplex, angiokeratomas, neurological symptoms and progressive psychomotor deterioration. Patients may also have hepatosplenomegaly and hazy corneas.

There are two major sub types with type 1 having a more severe phenotype beginning around 6 months of age and death in the first decade. The milder type 2 is associated with longer survival and a slower progression of neurological symptoms and psychomotor delays.

Technical Information

Alpha-fucosidase enzyme activity is measured using a 4-methylumbeilliferyl (4-MU) substrate.

Specimen Requirements

• Accepted sample types for this test include dried blood spots (DBS), fibroblasts, and leukocytes.
• DBS: Approximately 75 uL of blood should be applied to each of the five circles on filter paper dried blood spot card. Allow blood to dry for at least 4 hours before shipping.
• Fibroblasts: Tissue sample should be stored in sterile culture media; cultured fibroblasts should be sent in two T25 flasks. Do NOT place tissue in formalin or formaldehyde. Do not freeze tissue.
• Leukocytes: A minimum of 5 mL whole blood (7-10 mL preferred) collected in a sodium heparin tube.

Transport Instructions

• DBS: Ship DBS card at ambient temperature.
• Fibroblasts: Ship tissue sample or cultured fibroblasts at ambient temperature
• Leukocytes: Whole blood should be shipped at ambient temperature. If leukocytes are being isolated at another laboratory, the pellet should be frozen after specimen processing and shipped frozen on dry ice.