MLH1 Gene Sequencing Test

MLH1 gene renders instructions for the formation of a protein that is essential for DNA repair. It helps in fixing errors that arise during DNA replication. MLH1 gene belongs to the group of mismatch repair genes.

5 ml of whole blood is drawn from your vein and collected in a sterile tube. Stability of the specimen is important, so the blood is kept at room temperature. It is advised not to freeze the blood sample. The blood sample can be stored at room temperature for 8 days or can be refrigerated for 8 days, but freezing of the sample is not acceptable.

MLH1 gene sequencing can be used for patients presenting colorectal cancer, especially those whose immunohistochemistry and microinstability results show a loss of mlh1 protein staining. It is also used to detect germline mutations and test mismatched repair genes. This detection aids in the prevention or early intervention of cancer. It is an intensive screening process for cancer.

Polymerase chain reaction and dye terminator sequencing reaction are the two important methods used in MLH1 gene sequencing test.