Test Price
2,800 AEDโ Home Collection Available
OXTR Gene Sequencing for Autism Spectrum Disorder in UAE | 2800 AED | DHA Licensed Laboratory
Executive Summary & Core Metrics
- โ Diagnostic Accuracy: 99.9% analytical sensitivity for all coding variants of the OXTR gene via ISO 15189:2022 accredited NGS pipeline.
- โ Premium Logistics: VIP mobile phlebotomy with temperature-controlled cold-chain home collection, available daily from 8 AM to 11 PM.
- โ Post-Test Clinical Guidance: Complimentary telephonic consultation with a DHA-licensed Consultant Medical Geneticist to interpret results.
- โ Insurance Verification: Direct WhatsApp inquiry at +971 54 548 8731 for coverage confirmation.
ISO 15189:2022 Accredited Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory. DHA Facility License No. 1143. DNA Labs UAE โ Dubai Healthcare City.
Test Overview & Methodology
This Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) assay interrogates the full coding region and intron-exon boundaries of the OXTR gene (oxytocin receptor), a well-established genetic marker for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) susceptibility. The test delivers definitive variant detection with 99.9% diagnostic sensitivity at 1000x mean coverage on the Illumina NovaSeq platform, enabling precise risk stratification and personalised intervention planning for patients and families across the UAE.
Pre-Test Genetic Counseling: A board-certified genetic counsellor conducts a three-generation pedigree chart analysis to map familial autism patterns and discuss inheritance risks. This session is mandatory for informed consent and ensures clinically meaningful interpretation of your sequencing results. All counseling sessions comply with Federal Decree-Law No. 4 of 2016 on Medical Liability regarding patient consent and clinical safety.
| Feature | OXTR NGS (Our Test) | Single-Gene Sanger (Alternative) |
|---|---|---|
| Methodology | NGS on Illumina NovaSeq, 1000x mean coverage, paired-end 150 bp reads | Sanger sequencing limited to known mutational hotspots |
| Diagnostic Sensitivity | 99.9% for all coding variants, including novel and rare alleles | ~85% โ misses novel/rare variants and large indels |
| Turnaround Time | 3โ4 weeks (express expedite available upon request) | 4โ6 weeks |
| Sample Flexibility | Whole blood, extracted DNA, or FTA card (finger-prick) | Whole blood only |
Physician Insight & Safety Protocols
โAs a Consultant Medical Geneticist, I emphasise that OXTR gene sequencing provides one critical data point within a comprehensive diagnostic framework. Genetic results must be integrated with detailed developmental history, behavioural assessments, and multi-disciplinary clinical evaluation. The oxytocin receptor gene alone neither confirms nor excludes autism spectrum disorder. I strongly advise all families to review findings in consultation with a qualified geneticist and developmental paediatrician. Our team at DNA Labs UAE is committed to delivering compassionate, evidence-based guidance throughout this journey.โ
โ Lina Osama Zaki Quteineh, Consultant Medical Genetics | DHA Registration ID: 9294403
Pre-Test Advisory & Informed Consent
- This test is not intended for standalone diagnosis. Mandatory clinical correlation with developmental, behavioural, and family history is required.
- Minors under 18 years must have informed consent from a legal guardian, compliant with Federal Decree-Law No. 4 of 2016 on Medical Liability.
- Medication Caution: Do not discontinue, alter, or initiate any prescribed therapy based solely on genetic results without consulting your treating physician.
- Individuals with acute febrile illness or blood transfusion within the past 14 days should defer sample collection to avoid assay interference.
Exclusion Criteria & Emergency Red Flags
- This genetic assay does not provide acute clinical intervention. If you or your child experiences sudden behavioural regression, new-onset self-injurious behaviour, or severe sleep disruption, seek immediate medical attention.
- Patients with known coagulopathy or on anticoagulant therapy should consult their physician before venipuncture for blood collection.
- Individuals with a recent allogeneic bone marrow transplant may have donor-derived DNA confounding germline analysis; notify the laboratory prior to sample submission.
Patient FAQ & Clinical Guidance
1. What is the clinical utility of OXTR gene sequencing for autism spectrum disorder?
The OXTR gene encodes the oxytocin receptor, which plays a pivotal role in social bonding, communication, and behaviour regulation. Pathogenic variants in OXTR are associated with increased susceptibility to ASD. This test achieves 99.9% analytical sensitivity for coding variants, but a positive result indicates elevated genetic risk, not a definitive diagnosis. Results must be interpreted alongside comprehensive developmental assessment by a multi-disciplinary team.
2. Can I provide a finger-prick blood sample at home, and is the quality reliable for NGS?
Yes. A single-drop blood sample collected on an FTA card is fully validated for our NGS pipeline. This method yields genomic DNA of equivalent quality to venipuncture whole blood, ensuring robust variant calling. Our VIP mobile phlebotomy service will courier the sample under temperature-controlled cold-chain conditions directly to our Dubai Healthcare City laboratory.
3. How are results delivered, and what post-test support is provided?
Standard turnaround time is 3โ4 weeks from sample receipt. Every report is reviewed and signed by a Consultant Medical Geneticist. You will receive a secure digital report via email, followed by a complimentary telephonic consultation with Lina Osama Zaki Quteineh (DHA 9294403) to explain findings, discuss clinical implications, and coordinate referral to a developmental paediatrician if indicated.
4. Is pre-test genetic counselling mandatory, and what does it involve?
Yes, pre-test genetic counselling is a mandatory component of the informed consent process as per UAE federal regulations. A board-certified genetic counsellor will conduct a three-generation pedigree analysis, explain the scope and limitations of OXTR sequencing, discuss potential outcomes including variants of uncertain significance, and address all your questions before sample collection.
5. Does insurance cover the cost of OXTR genetic testing in the UAE?
Coverage varies by insurer and policy. DNA Labs UAE provides complimentary insurance pre-verification via WhatsApp at +971 54 548 8731. Our billing team will submit all necessary clinical justification to your insurer and provide a clear estimate of out-of-pocket costs prior to testing.
UAE Regulatory & Data Privacy Adherence
Your Genetic Data Is Protected Under UAE Law
All genomic testing and data handling at DNA Labs UAE strictly comply with Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021 on Personal Data Protection (PDPL) and Federal Law No. 2 of 2019 Concerning the Use of Information and Communication Technology in Health Fields. Genetic information is encrypted, access-controlled, and processed solely within UAE-accredited facilities. No raw sequencing data is transferred outside the country. Clinical safety and patient consent are governed by Federal Decree-Law No. 4 of 2016 on Medical Liability. We maintain ISO 15189:2022 accreditation for molecular diagnostics and undergo annual external quality assessment (EQA) through CAP and UK NEQAS programs.
Clinical & Logistical Metadata
| Test Name | OXTR Gene Sequencing for Autism Spectrum Disorder |
| Price (AED) | 2,800 AED |
| Turnaround Time | 3โ4 weeks (express expedite available) |
| Sample Type / Matrix | Whole blood (3โ5 mL EDTA), Extracted DNA (1 ยตg minimum), or FTA card (finger-prick). VIP mobile phlebotomy & temperature-controlled cold-chain home collection available daily from 8 AM to 11 PM. |
| Methodology Used | Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) on Illumina NovaSeq 6000, 1000x mean coverage, paired-end 150 bp, with bioinformatic analysis using GATK best practices v4.2 |
| ICD-10-CM Code | F84.0 (Autism spectrum disorder) |
| LOINC Code | 21618-3 (Genetic analysis) |
| DHA Facility License & Address | DHA License No. 1143 | Premises 105, Floor 1, Building 33, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai, UAE | DNA Labs UAE |
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