Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Panel
This test analyzes 29 genes linked to ALS to support diagnosis, clarify hereditary risk, and help guide care for individuals with symptoms or a family history.
Accessed through the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Sponsored Testing Program•Sponsored by Ionis Pharmaceuticals•Performed by Prevention Genetics
Designed to support clinical decision-making and ordering in your practice.
For healthcare providers
Overview
In collaboration with Ionis Pharmaceuticals, this program offers genetic testing for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a neurodegenerative condition involving motor neuron degeneration in the cortex, brain stem, and spinal cord. Testing is available to eligible patients in the U.S. and Canada with a clinical diagnosis or family history of ALS. All tests must be ordered by a qualified healthcare provider.
When to consider this test
Patient selection
- Providers treating individuals with a clinical or suspected diagnosis of ALS.
- Providers evaluating pre-symptomatic adults with a family history of ALS.
- Providers submitting orders for symptomatic patients under 18 must document clinical features.
- Exception requests allowed for familial adolescent/pediatric rapidly progressive ALS cases.
Workflow
How to use this program
- 1
Confirm Eligibility and Counsel
Determine eligibility and discuss testing. Pre-test genetic counseling through Genome Medical is available for patients.
- 2
Order the Test
Order using the U.S. or Canadian requisition form.
- 3
Collect and Label Specimens
Label containers with two identifiers. Ship whole blood, saliva, or buccal samples per kit instructions. Blood ships with ice pack; saliva/buccal at room temp.
- 4
Review Test Results
PreventionGenetics processes the test and sends results to the ordering provider in ~18 days. Providers review results with patients; post-test genetic counseling is available.
Billing overview
Program billing
For eligible patients, the sponsor has arrangements with the laboratory that may reduce or cover some or all of the patient's out-of-pocket cost. Actual cost and patient responsibility vary by program criteria. Refer to lab or sponsor materials for details.
Quality & privacy
Laboratory quality & data handling
Testing is performed by Prevention Genetics, a CLIA-certified laboratory (CLIA 52D2065132) and College of American Pathologists (CAP) certified laboratory (CAP 7185561). Your sample is processed using validated methods and quality controls to support reliable genetic results.
Your health information is handled under privacy and security practices that are intended to align with applicable regulations. For program- and lab-specific details, review the privacy information provided by the laboratory and sponsor.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Which patients are eligible for testing?
Eligible patients include those in the U.S. or Canada with a clinical or suspected diagnosis of ALS, and adults with a family history seeking pre-symptomatic testing. Symptomatic minors may be tested if clinical features are documented.
Are there restrictions for testing patients under 18?
Yes. Unaffected individuals under 18 are not eligible for pre-symptomatic testing. Symptomatic patients under 18 require documentation of clinical features, with exceptions for known familial adolescent or pediatric rapidly progressive ALS.
Who can order the test?
The test must be ordered by a qualified healthcare provider.
Is genetic counseling required?
Pre-test and post-test counseling through Genome Medical is available and recommended, but not required for order submission unless you prefer to integrate it into your workflow.
What specimen types are accepted?
Whole blood, saliva, and buccal specimens are accepted. Providers should follow shipping and stability instructions included with the collection kit.
How long do results take?
Results are typically returned about 18 days after the laboratory receives the specimen and all required documentation.
How do I order test kits?
Blood, saliva, and buccal collection kits—including the test requisition form and shipping label—can be requested through the kit order form.
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