Click on the following questions to go directly to the answers you need—or scroll down the list below.

What is AlloMap testing?
Doesn’t a heart biopsy already tell my doctor about rejection?
How does AlloMap testing utilize gene expression?
What is the difference between genetic testing and gene expression testing?
Where can I get AlloMap testing?
What happens when my doctor orders AlloMap testing for me?
If I have an AlloMap Test, will I be billed?
Will my AlloMap test be covered by my insurer?
 

AlloMap molecular expression testing is a new blood test that measures activity of the immune system with respect to heart transplant rejection. When AlloMap testing confirms that your immune system is quiet, it means that you are at a very low risk for rejecting your heart. This information can help your doctor monitor your progress after your transplant.
  The biopsy procedure and the AlloMap test inform your doctor about rejection in different ways. AlloMap testing works to detect rejection at the molecular level in your blood. A biopsy signals rejection at the cellular level—after your white blood cells have begun attacking your heart.

A biopsy is an invasive procedure that can be time-consuming and unpleasant, and may result in additional risks. With AlloMap testing, only a tube of blood is needed to provide test results.

The AlloMap test uses the latest advanced technology to monitor the activity of specific genes in your white blood cells. These genes are important because they determine how the white blood cells react to your new heart—whether they accept or reject it. When these genes are activated in particular patterns, they send messages in a process called gene expression. The AlloMap test measures specific gene expression patterns and the objective results are provided in a report to your doctor.

Because gene expression may occur before white blood cells actually damage your heart, AlloMap testing may help your doctor identify immune activity early in the rejection process before damage occurs.

Genetic testing covers tests that need to be evaluated only once to uncover genetic variations, mutations, traits and predispositions. This testing can also be used to predict an individual’s response to a therapy or other treatment.

Gene expression tests look for activation of genes—specifically measuring the amount of messenger RNA (mRNA) resulting from its corresponding gene. Because activation levels differ depending on the point in time, gene expression tests can be used multiple times. Each time the AlloMap test is performed, the gene expression of 20 genes is measured.

Ask your doctor or transplant coordinator if AlloMap testing is available at or near your transplant center.
  Once your doctor has decided AlloMap testing is right for you, your transplant coordinator will direct you to where you can have your blood drawn and processed. The blood sample will be drawn by trained staff and shipped to the XDx Reference Laboratory via overnight courier. After running the test, XDx will deliver the results to your doctor, typically within a day or two of receiving your sample.

In most cases, XDx will bill your insurer. We will notify you by mail to keep you informed.

In addition, your insurer may send you a notice or an Explanation of Benefits (EOB). This notice may say that:

	Your insurer has been billed for your AlloMap test
	Your insurer has paid for your AlloMap test
	Your insurer will not pay for your AlloMap test
	Your insurer needs more information before deciding if the will pay for the test

Sometimes, XDx bills the medical center where you had your transplant center. In these cases, it has been determined that the medical center must bill your insurer. When your medical center bills your insurer, they may send you a notice that they have done so, or your insurer may send you a notice that they’ve received a bill for AlloMap testing.

Many insurers, including Medicare, cover the cost of an AlloMap test. However, since AlloMap testing is new, some insurers are not yet familiar with its many benefits. Currently, XDx is working actively to help insurers understand the important role of AlloMap testing in your transplant care.