6-panel versus 2-panel telomere length tests

RepeatDx offers both 2- and 6-panel telomere length tests, here we’ll take a look at the differences and what you should consider when determining which test to order.

Telomere length analysis has emerged as an important diagnostic and screening tool for a range of telomere maintenance conditions including:

• Dyskeratosis congenita
• Pulmonary fibrosis
• Bone marrow failure
• Aplastic anemia
• Immune deficiencies
• Myelodysplastic syndrome and Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Therefore, demand for reliable, accurate and efficient testing of telomere length is growing.

The Flow FISH telomere length test used by RepeatDx has the unique advantage, when compared to other telomere length measuring protocols, that it provides results from a variety of specific cell types – all from one blood sample.

Fluorescent signals are assessed on a single cell basis by flow cytometry, with the convenience to choose whether patient samples undergo either a 2-panel or 6-panel assay.

The 2-panel assay will show telomere length measurements from total lymphocyte and granulocyte populations only. This can be used as an initial screen, if the results show telomere length within the normal (age-adjusted) range then telomere biology disorders can be discounted. However, in cases where telomere length shows as low (L) or very low (VL) in the 2-panel assay, further investigation may be required.

The 6-panel assay includes measurements for B-cells, naïve and memory T-cells and NK cells in addition to the total lymphocytes and granulocytes. This assay version has the highest clinical diagnosis sensitivity and specificity in the differential diagnosis of individuals with inherited bone marrow failure syndromes. The technique allows for more in-depth analysis, comparing the telomere length between different cell types and within specific cell types. Our team can then differentiate between constitutional deficiencies and individual cell type deficiencies, enabling a highly accurate diagnosis.

Whichever panel you choose, you can rely upon the fact that RepeatDx will be providing you the the highest quality and most reproducible clinically available telomere test on the market.

You can find out more, and order either a 2- or 6-panel telomere length analysis, here.