Test Price
2,800 AEDโ Home Collection Available
SCN3A Gene Focal Epilepsy Genetic Test (NGS) in UAE | 2,800 AED | DHA Guidelines
Executive Summary & Core Metrics
- Accuracy Guarantee: 99.9% Diagnostic Sensitivity via ISO Accredited Processing (ISO 9001:2015 & CAP Standards).
- Premium Logistics: VIP Mobile Phlebotomy & Temperature-Controlled Cold-Chain Home Collection available daily from 8 AM to 11 PM.
- Clinical Guidance: Post-Test consultation with a Consultant Medical Geneticist for result interpretation and family planning.
- Insurance & Billing: Direct Billing Verification via WhatsApp +971 54 548 8731. Competitive self-pay price of 2,800 AED inclusive of report and specialist review.
- Regulatory Compliance: Fully aligns with Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021 on Personal Data Protection (PDPL) and Federal Law No. 2 of 2019 concerning ICT in Health.
Test Overview & Methodology
The SCN3A Gene Focal Epilepsy Genetic Test utilises Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) on the Illumina platform to deliver comprehensive analysis of all coding exons, splice sites, and deep intronic regions of the SCN3A gene. Pathogenic variants in SCN3A are primarily associated with autosomal dominant focal epilepsy syndromes, including early-onset epileptic encephalopathies and familial focal epilepsy with variable foci (FFEVF). This test provides enhanced diagnostic yield by simultaneously detecting single nucleotide variants (SNVs), insertions/deletions (indels), and copy number variations (CNVs) across the entire gene, enabling precise genotype-phenotype correlation and targeted therapeutic interventions.
| Parameter | This NGS Test | Conventional Sequencing |
|---|---|---|
| Genomic Coverage | >99% of coding exons, splice sites, and selected deep intronic regions | 80-90% of limited hotspots (Sanger) |
| Technology | NGS (Illumina) with CNV & structural variant analysis | Conventional Sanger sequencing; no CNV detection |
| Turnaround Time | 3โ4 Weeks | 4โ6 Weeks |
| Diagnostic Yield | High (~20-30% for focal epilepsy genes) | Low (<10%) |
Physician Insight & Safety Protocols
From Lina Osama Zaki Quteineh | Consultant Medical Genetics | DHA Registration ID: 9294403:
โGenetic testing for SCN3A-related epilepsy is a powerful tool for confirming a clinical diagnosis and guiding precision therapies, such as sodium channel blocker selection. However, results must be interpreted in the full context of the patientโs clinical history, EEG findings, and familial segregation. A negative result does not rule out a genetic etiology due to the possibility of variants in other epilepsy-related genes. I strongly advise all patients to schedule a post-test counselling session with a qualified genetics professional to discuss implications for treatment adjustments, family cascade screening, and reproductive planning.โ
Pre-Test Genetic Counseling Advisory
Patients and their families are encouraged to engage in pre-test genetic counseling to fully understand the scope of the analysis, potential incidental findings, and the implications of a positive or negative result. This consultation ensures informed consent is obtained in accordance with Federal Decree-Law No. 4 of 2016 on Medical Liability. Do not discontinue any prescribed antiepileptic medication without direct consultation with your treating neurologist.
Clinical Contraindications & Safety Precautions
- Individuals without a confirmed or suspected clinical diagnosis of focal epilepsy or a strong family history of epilepsy syndromes.
- Minors under 18 years of age must provide written parental or legal guardian consent complying with UAE Federal Law.
- Specimens not collected in appropriate tubes (whole blood must be in EDTA; DNA must be stabilized). Improperly stored FTA cards are rejected.
- Active haemolysis, lipemia, or microbial contamination of the sample.
- Emergency Red Flags: Sudden worsening of seizure frequency, new-onset status epilepticus, or signs of anaphylaxis during sample collection require immediate emergency medical intervention at the nearest hospital.
Patient FAQ & Clinical Guidance
1. What is the SCN3A gene test and who should consider it?
The SCN3A gene test is a specialised NGS analysis designed to detect pathogenic mutations in the SCN3A gene, which encodes a voltage-gated sodium channel subunit critical for neuronal excitability. It is clinically indicated for individuals presenting with unexplained focal seizures, early-onset epileptic encephalopathy, or a family history suggestive of autosomal dominant focal epilepsy. The test aids in confirming the genetic basis of the condition, informing tailored antiseizure medication selection, and assessing recurrence risks for family members.
2. How is the sample collected and what is the turnaround time?
A standard peripheral whole blood sample (3-5 mL in an EDTA tube) or a saliva sample collected via an Oragene DNA kit is preferred. For convenience, a single blood spot on an FTA card is also acceptable. Our UAE-wide VIP Mobile Phlebotomy service operates daily from 8 AM to 11 PM, ensuring temperature-controlled cold-chain transport to our ISO-accredited laboratory. Once the sample is accessioned, the sequencing and bioinformatic analysis pipeline requires a turnaround time of 3 to 4 weeks for a complete clinical report.
3. Is this test covered by insurance in the UAE?
Coverage varies by insurance provider and plan. Our billing team provides complimentary pre-authorization verification via WhatsApp at +971 54 548 8731. We work with most major insurers regulated by the DHA and MOHAP. Send a copy of your insurance card; we will confirm your benefits and out-of-pocket costs typically within one business day. Self-pay patients can proceed at the flat rate of 2,800 AED, which includes the genetic analysis, bioinformatics, and a consultation with our genetics specialist.
4. What do the results mean for my family members?
A positive result for a pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant in SCN3A has direct implications for first-degree relatives (parents, siblings, children) who may have inherited the same genetic risk. Predictive testing through cascade screening is recommended to identify at-risk individuals before seizure onset. Our Consultant Medical Geneticist provides detailed post-test counselling to explain the inheritance pattern, penetrance estimates, and the option of prenatal or preimplantation genetic testing for family planning purposes.
UAE Regulatory & Data Privacy Adherence
Secure Handling & Confidentiality
DNA Labs UAE strictly adheres to the 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. All genetic data is encrypted, securely stored on local servers, and accessed only by authorised clinical personnel. Patient consent is documented prior to testing, and results are shared exclusively with the referring physician and the patient via a secure portal. We comply with DHA standards for genetic data handling and destruction upon request.
Clinical & Logistical Metadata
| Test Name | SCN3A Gene Focal Epilepsy Genetic Test (NGS) |
| Price (AED) | 2,800 AED |
| Turnaround Time | 3โ4 Weeks |
| Sample Type / Matrix | Whole Blood (EDTA), Saliva (Oragene DNA), or FTA Card |
| Methodology Used | Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) on Illumina Platform |
| ICD-10-CM Code | G40.109, G40.209 |
| LOINC Code | 95606-7 |
| DHA Facility License & Address | License #1143 | Premises 105, Floor 1, Building 33, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai, UAE |
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