Test Price
2,800 AED✅ Home Collection Available
MT-TS2 Gene MERRF/MELAS Overlap Syndrome Genetic Test in UAE | 2800 AED | DHA Licensed
Executive Summary & Core Metrics
- ✔ 99.9% Diagnostic Sensitivity: ISO 9001:2015 accredited NGS sequencing covering the complete MT-TS2 gene for mitochondrial disorder confirmation.
- ✔ Premium Logistics: VIP mobile phlebotomy and temperature-controlled cold-chain home collection available daily from 8 AM to 11 PM across all Emirates.
- ✔ Clinical Guidance: Telephonic post-test consultation with a DHA-licensed Consultant Medical Geneticist to interpret results and guide management.
- ✔ Insurance Support: Direct billing verification via WhatsApp at +971 54 548 8731.
DHA Facility License: 1143 | TAT: 3–4 Weeks | Price: 2,800 AED
This advanced molecular test employs next-generation sequencing to comprehensively analyse the MT-TS2 mitochondrial gene, providing definitive diagnosis of MERRF/MELAS overlap syndrome. Full gene coverage ensures detection of both common and rare pathogenic variants with high analytical sensitivity, enabling precise clinical decision-making for patients presenting with overlapping neurological and metabolic features.
Test Overview & Methodology
This next-generation sequencing assay interrogates the entire MT‑TS2 mitochondrial gene to identify pathogenic variants associated with the overlapping clinical syndromes MERRF (myoclonic epilepsy with ragged‑red fibres) and MELAS (mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke‑like episodes). Full coverage extends across all exons and intron‑exon boundaries, capturing point mutations, small insertions and deletions, and mosaic variants that targeted PCR panels may miss.
| Feature | Our Test (NGS Full‑Gene) | Closest Alternative (Targeted PCR) |
|---|---|---|
| Method | Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) | Sanger sequencing / targeted mutation panel |
| Gene Coverage | Full MT‑TS2 gene (all exons, intron‑exon boundaries, flanking regions) | Only known hotspot loci (novel variants undetected) |
| Diagnostic Yield | 99.9% sensitivity for point mutations and small indels | ~70% yield (limited to pre‑defined targets) |
| Turnaround Time | 3–4 weeks | 7–10 days |
Physician Insight & Safety Protocols
Lina Osama Zaki Quteineh, Consultant Medical Genetics | DHA Registration ID: 9294403: “A definitive molecular diagnosis of MERRF/MELAS overlap syndrome through comprehensive MT-TS2 sequencing provides families with answers that guide long-term multidisciplinary care. The test's high sensitivity captures even low-level heteroplasmic variants, which is critical given the clinical variability of mitochondrial disorders. However, results must always be correlated with a thorough clinical, biochemical, and neuroimaging evaluation to ensure accurate interpretation and appropriate medical action.”
Important Advisory
⚠ Do not discontinue or alter any prescribed antiepileptic, metabolic, or supportive therapy without direct consultation with your treating physician. Genetic test results serve as a diagnostic guide and do not replace ongoing clinical management or emergency treatment protocols.
Safety Exclusion Criteria & Emergency Red Flags
- Exclusion: Patients unable to provide informed consent without a legally authorised representative. Minors require explicit guardian consent in accordance with Federal Decree-Law No. 4 of 2016 on Medical Liability.
- Exclusion: Active febrile illness or acute metabolic decompensation that renders blood collection unsafe – postpone sampling until the patient is clinically stable.
- Emergency Red Flag: If you or your child experiences acute stroke‑like episodes, prolonged or recurrent seizures, sudden alteration in consciousness, or focal neurological deficits, proceed immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department. Do not delay for sample collection.
Patient FAQ & Clinical Guidance
1. What is the MT‑TS2 gene test for MERRF/MELAS overlap syndrome?
Answer: This test uses next-generation sequencing to read the entire MT‑TS2 mitochondrial gene, detecting pathogenic variants that cause the combined neurological and metabolic features of MERRF and MELAS syndromes. The comprehensive full-gene approach identifies mutations that targeted hotspot panels may overlook, providing a definitive molecular diagnosis for patients with clinically suspected mitochondrial disease.
2. How long does it take to receive results, and what is the cost?
Answer: Laboratory processing requires 3 to 4 weeks from sample receipt to issuance of the final clinical report. The total cost for the complete analysis is 2,800 AED. Post-test telephonic consultation with a consultant medical geneticist is included in the service fee.
3. Is home sample collection available across the UAE?
Answer: Yes, our VIP mobile phlebotomy team provides temperature-controlled cold-chain home collection across all seven Emirates daily from 8 AM to 11 PM. All phlebotomists follow ISO‑certified protocols for specimen handling, transport, and chain of custody documentation.
4. Will my insurance cover the cost of this genetic test?
Answer: Coverage depends on your individual insurance policy and the medical necessity determination by your insurer. Our team can verify your insurance benefits and assist with direct billing submissions via WhatsApp at +971 54 548 8731. A referral letter from a neurologist or genetic specialist is typically required.
UAE Regulatory & Data Privacy Adherence
- All genetic testing and patient data handling comply with Federal Decree‑Law No. 45 of 2021 on Personal Data Protection (PDPL), ensuring strict confidentiality and lawful processing of genomic information.
- Health information systems and clinical data exchange adhere to Federal Law No. 2 of 2019 Concerning the Use of Information and Communication Technology in Health Fields, governing data security and interoperability standards.
- Patient consent, clinical safety, and medical liability protections are governed by Federal Decree‑Law No. 4 of 2016 on Medical Liability, covering all pre‑test counselling, sample collection, and post‑test clinical interpretation.
- Accreditation: ISO 9001:2015 – Certificate INT/EGQ/2509DA/3139, ensuring quality management across laboratory operations and logistics.
Clinical & Logistical Metadata
| Test Name | MT-TS2 Gene MERRF/MELAS Overlap Syndrome Genetic Test (NGS Full-Gene Sequencing) |
| Price (AED) | 2,800 AED |
| Turnaround Time | 3–4 weeks |
| Sample Type / Matrix | Peripheral whole blood (EDTA tube) – VIP mobile phlebotomy and temperature-controlled cold-chain home collection available daily from 8 AM to 11 PM |
| Methodology Used | Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) – full MT-TS2 gene coverage including all exons, intron-exon boundaries, and flanking regions |
| ICD-10-CM Code | E88.49 (Other disorders of mitochondrial metabolism), G31.81 (MERRF), E88.41 (MELAS) |
| LOINC Code | 82939-0 (Mitochondrial genome full sequence analysis in Blood or Tissue by NGS) |
| DHA Facility License & Laboratory Address | DHA Facility License Number: 1143 | Premises 105, Floor 1, Building 33, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai, UAE – DNA Labs UAE |
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