BRCA Ashkenazi Jewish Screen with Reflex to BRCA Panel (BRCA1, BRCA2)

This test is for individuals of Ashkenazi Jewish descent to identify if they have hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) syndrome due to a BRCA1 or BRCA2 pathogenic variant. It is designed to detect the 3 pathogenic variants in BRCA1 and BRCA2 known to be more common in people of Ashkenazi (Eastern European) Jewish descent. Specifically, the only pathogenic variants included are 185delAG (c.68_69delAG) and 5382insC (c.5266dupC) in the BRCA1 gene and 6174delT (c.5946delT) in the BRCA2 gene.

If an individual tests negative for those 3 pathogenic variants, then whole-gene testing for single-nucleotide variants, deletions, and duplications in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes will be performed.

If an individual tests positive for any of the first 3 pathogenic variants – ie, 185delAG (c.68_69delAG), 5382insC (c.5266dupC) in the BRCA1 gene and 6174delT (c.5946delT) in the BRCA2 gene – then whole-gene testing for the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes will not be performed. 

If an individual is not of Ashkenazi Jewish descent, this test should not be ordered. Depending on an individual’s personal and family histories, the BRCA Panel (BRCA1, BRCA2 [test code 91863]) may be appropriate.

If an individual is of Ashkenazi Jewish descent and the familial mutation is unknown, or if the familial mutation is 1 of the 3 Ashkenazi Jewish founder mutations, the BRCA Ashkenazi Jewish Screen (test code 91864) may be appropriate.

If an individual is of Ashkenazi Jewish descent and there is a familial mutation that is not 1 of the 3 Ashkenazi Jewish founder mutations, consider testing for both the founder mutations (BRCA Ashkenazi Jewish Screen [test code 91864]) and the familial mutation (Hereditary Cancer Single Site[s] [test code 93945]).

Additional tests, such as multigene panel tests, are available to help assess the risk of hereditary breast cancer. For more information, please visit our website QuestHereditaryCancer.com. To discuss a family history with a Quest Diagnostics genetic counselor, please call Quest Genomics Client Services at 1.866.GENE.INFO (1.866.436.3463).

Generally, test may be indicated for men and women of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry with a personal or family history of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, high-grade (Gleason score ≥7) prostate cancer, or pancreatic cancer.¹

Informed consent following genetic counseling is strongly recommended before ordering these tests. Whenever possible, consider testing the person in the family with the youngest age at the time of diagnosis of breast cancer or ovarian cancer.

For more information or to discuss a family history with a Quest genetic counselor, please call Quest Genomics Client Services at 1.866.GENE.INFO (1.866.436.3463).

The right time is different for every individual. An individual’s current medical status, personal and family experience with cancer, treatment or screening plan, and general readiness for genetic information all influence the decision to be tested. Having an open dialogue with individuals about these topics can assist with shared decision-making.

Upon receipt of a fully completed order, our team will verify coverage with your patient’s healthcare insurance plan and estimate their likely out-of-pocket responsibility. If your patient’s estimated responsibility is over $100, we will notify you and/or your patient prior to test initiation to discuss options for continuation or cancellation of the test. Please, note that orders lacking complete information will not be processed.

On average, results will be completed 14 to 21 days after receipt of the sample in the laboratory if the family history form and order are complete and the health plan does not require preauthorization. Turnaround time may vary based on delays caused by incomplete orders or insurance authorizations.

Individuals with a positive result have a pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant(s) detected in the BRCA1 and/or BRCA2 gene(s), and a diagnosis of HBOC syndrome. A positive result does not mean that an individual has a diagnosis of cancer. Specific risk information will be provided in the result report, and you can visit our website at QuestHereditaryCancer.com for more information.

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN^®) provides up-to-date surveillance and management recommendations for individuals with a positive result.¹

A negative result means that a pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant was not detected in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. For more information regarding specific genetic variants analyzed in this assay, please refer to the methods and limitations section of the genetic testing report. The implications of this result depend on the situation:

Individual with a known family history of 1 of the 3 Ashkenazi Jewish mutations: None of the 3 Ashkenazi Jewish founder mutations or other known mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 were detected. The patient’s risk of breast and ovarian cancer is likely equivalent to that of the general population. Consider testing for other hereditary forms of cancer if appropriate based on personal or family history of cancer.

Individual with previously diagnosed cancer: An individual’s risk of recurrence or a related new cancer is based on their personal and family histories of cancer. In some instances, it may be appropriate to test for other hereditary forms of cancer. Please call Quest Genomics Client Services at 866.GENE.INFO to discuss possible additional studies with a genetic counselor.

Individual without previously diagnosed cancer but with a family history of cancer: An individual’s risk of tumors or cancer is based on their personal and family histories. Testing an affected family member may further inform this risk assessment. In some instances, it may be appropriate to test for other hereditary forms of cancer. Please call Quest Genomics Client Services at 1.866.GENE.INFO (1.866.436.3463) to discuss possible additional studies with a genetic counselor.

A VUS result means that the variant has not been previously described in the literature or that the clinical significance is unclear based upon currently available evidence. Medical management decisions should be based on personal and family history. Family studies may help to learn more about the clinical significance of this variant. The classification and interpretation of the variant(s) identified reflect the current state of Quest’s understanding at the time of the report. Variant classification and interpretation are subject to professional judgment and may change for a variety of reasons including, but not limited to, updates in classification guidelines and availability of additional scientific and clinical information. It is important to check in with the laboratory annually for variant updates because new information regarding the variant and classification may become available over time. Please visit QuestDiagnostics.com/VariantIQ for information about variant classification. If you have questions, please call Quest Genomics Client Services at 1.866.GENE.INFO (1.866.436.3463) to speak with a genetic counselor.