Test ID MULT Zygosity Testing (Multiple Births), Varies
Useful For
Determining genetic risk for an individual whose twin or triplet is affected with a genetic disorder for which a specific genetic test is not available (or such testing is uninformative)
Assessment of risks prenatally when one fetus of multiples is known to be affected by a specific disorder
Organ or bone marrow transplantation compatibility testing
Familial or parental interest
Genetics Test Information
DNA from twins and their parents is used to determine if the twins are identical (monozygotic) or fraternal (dizygotic).
Reflex Tests
Test ID | Reporting Name | Available Separately | Always Performed |
---|---|---|---|
CULFB | Fibroblast Culture for Genetic Test | Yes | No |
CULAF | Amniotic Fluid Culture/Genetic Test | Yes | No |
_STR1 | Comp Analysis using STR (Bill only) | No | No |
_STR2 | Add'l comp analysis w/STR (Bill Only) | No | No |
Testing Algorithm
For prenatal specimens only: If amniotic fluid (nonconfluent cultured cells) is received, amniotic fluid culture/genetic test will be added at an additional charge. If chorionic villus specimen (nonconfluent cultured cells) is received, fibroblast culture for genetic test will be added at an additional charge.
Special Instructions
Method Name
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)/Microsatellite Markers
Reporting Name
Zygosity Testing (Multiple Births)Specimen Type
VariesShipping Instructions
Specimen preferred to arrive within 96 hours of collection.
Necessary Information
A blood specimen from both parents, in addition to a specimen from each multiple, is required.
Specimen Required
Patient Preparation: A previous bone marrow transplant from an allogenic donor will interfere with testing. Call 800-533-1710 for instructions for testing patients who have received a bone marrow transplant.
Submit only 1 of the following specimens:
Specimen Type: Whole blood
Container/Tube: Lavender top (EDTA) or yellow top (ACD)
Specimen Volume: 3 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Invert several times to mix blood.
2. Send specimen in original tube. Do not aliquot.
Specimen Stability Information: Ambient (preferred)/Refrigerated
Due to the complexity of prenatal testing, consultation with the laboratory is required for all prenatal testing. All prenatal specimens must be accompanied by a maternal blood specimen.
Specimen Type: Amniotic fluid
Container/Tube: Amniotic fluid container
Specimen Volume: 20 mL
Specimen Stability Information: Refrigerated (preferred)/Ambient
Specimen Type: Chorionic villi
Container/Tube: 15-mL tube containing 15 mL of transport media
Specimen Volume: 20 mg
Specimen Stability Information: Refrigerated
Acceptable:
Specimen Type: Confluent cultured cells
Container/Tube: T-25 flask
Specimen Volume: 2 flasks
Collection Instructions: Submit confluent cultured cells from another laboratory.
Specimen Stability Information: Ambient (preferred)/Refrigerated
Specimen Minimum Volume
Blood: 0.5 mL
Amniotic Fluid: 10 mL
Chorionic Villi: 5 mg
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
---|---|---|---|
Varies | Varies |
Reference Values
An interpretive report will be provided.
Day(s) Performed
Monday
Report Available
5 to 12 daysPerforming Laboratory

Test Classification
This test was developed, and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. This test has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.CPT Code Information
81265-Comparative analysis using Short Tandem Repeat (STR) markers; patient and comparative specimen (eg, pre-transplant recipient and donor germline testing, post-transplant non-hematopoietic recipient germline [eg, buccal swab or other germline tissue sample] and donor testing, twin zygosity testing or maternal cell contamination of fetal cells
88233-Tissue culture, skin or solid tissue biopsy (if appropriate)
88235-Tissue culture for amniotic fluid (if appropriate)
88240-Cryopreservation (if appropriate)
81266-Each additional specimen (eg additional cord blood donor, additional fetal samples from different cultures, or additional zygosity in multiple birth pregnancies) (as needed)
LOINC Code Information
Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
MULT | Zygosity Testing (Multiple Births) | 55198-6 |
Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
53322 | Result Summary | 50397-9 |
53323 | Result | 69548-6 |
53324 | Interpretation | 69965-2 |
53349 | Reason for Referral | 42349-1 |
53325 | Specimen | 31208-2 |
53326 | Source | 31208-2 |
53327 | Method | 85069-3 |
53328 | Released By | 18771-6 |
NY State Approved
YesForms
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 in Special Instructions:
-Informed Consent for Genetic Testing (T576)
-Informed Consent for Genetic Testing-Spanish (T826)
2. Molecular Genetics: Congenital Inherited Diseases Patient Information (T521) in Special Instructions