Test Price
2,800 AED✅ Home Collection Available
TACO1 Gene Analysis for Leigh Syndrome (Mitochondrial Complex IV Deficiency) – NGS Genetic Test in UAE
Executive Summary & Core Metrics
Diagnostic Accuracy:
99.9% sensitivity validated by ISO 9001:2015 certified molecular workflows (Cert: INT/EGQ/2509DA/3139) for definitive Leigh syndrome aetiology identification.
Sample Collection:
VIP Mobile Phlebotomy & Temperature-Controlled Cold-Chain Home Collection (available daily 8 AM to 11 PM) for whole blood, extracted DNA, or dried blood spot specimens.
Post-Test Support:
Telephonic genetic counselling session included with every report for result interpretation, cascade testing guidance, and reproductive planning.
Insurance & Billing:
Direct billing verification via WhatsApp: +971 54 548 8731; self-pay price: 2,800 AED.
Test Overview & Methodology
The TACO1 Genetic Test utilises next-generation sequencing (NGS) to interrogate the full coding region, intron-exon boundaries, and untranslated regions of the TACO1 gene. This comprehensive approach detects point mutations, small insertions and deletions, and canonical splice-site variants causative of Leigh syndrome associated with mitochondrial complex IV (cytochrome c oxidase) deficiency. The assay delivers a definitive molecular diagnosis, enabling neurologists, paediatricians, and metabolic specialists to initiate targeted clinical management and family cascade screening.
Comparative Performance Benchmarks
| Feature | DNA Labs UAE NGS Test | Alternative Sanger / Limited Panel |
|---|---|---|
| Diagnostic yield | 99.9% sensitivity | ~95% |
| Method | Next-generation sequencing (whole gene coding region) | Single-exon Sanger / targeted hotspot panel |
| Turnaround time | 21–28 business days | 42–56 business days |
| Accepted specimen types | Whole blood, extracted DNA, dried blood spot (FTA card) | Whole blood only |
| Price (AED) | 2,800 | 3,200–3,800 |
Physician Insight & Safety Protocols
“As a Consultant Medical Genetics specialist, I emphasise that detecting a pathogenic TACO1 variant confirms the molecular aetiology of Leigh syndrome. However, clinical severity must be correlated with neurological examination, brain MRI findings, and biochemical markers such as serum and CSF lactate. Genetic counselling is essential for cascade screening of at-risk family members, reproductive decision-making, and long-term surveillance planning.” – Lina Osama Zaki Quteineh, Consultant Medical Genetics, DHA Registration ID: 9294403.
Advisory Precautions
Medication and Clinical Context
Patients must inform the referring clinician of all current medications, dietary supplements, and any history of organ transplantation or blood transfusion within the preceding two weeks. The test result should never be used as the sole determinant for therapy adjustments; integrate with full clinical and metabolic assessment.
Exclusion Criteria & Red Flags
- Not suitable for individuals who have received an allogeneic bone marrow transplant or those with active haematological malignancies interfering with germline DNA extraction.
- Sample collection is deferred for patients with active febrile illness or acute haemodynamic instability until clinical stabilisation is achieved.
- Emergency red flags: If the patient develops acute seizures, loss of consciousness, respiratory distress, or signs of severe lactic acidosis (rapid breathing, extreme lethargy), call 998 immediately.
Patient FAQ & Clinical Guidance
1. What exactly does the TACO1 genetic test look for?
This next-generation sequencing test examines the entire coding region of the TACO1 gene to detect mutations causative of Leigh syndrome with mitochondrial complex IV deficiency. It provides a definitive molecular diagnosis, differentiating primary genetic causes from acquired or secondary metabolic disturbances.
2. How soon can I receive my results and what does the price include?
Results are available within 21–28 business days. The 2,800 AED fee covers the full NGS laboratory analysis, a post-test genetic counselling teleconsultation, and a comprehensive clinical report with variant classification according to ACMG guidelines.
3. Is this test approved by the Dubai Health Authority and compliant with UAE law?
Yes. Our laboratory is DHA-licensed (Facility License 1143) and strictly adheres to 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. Patient data remains confidential and secure throughout the testing cycle.
4. What sample types are accepted, and can collection be done at home?
We accept whole blood (EDTA tube), extracted DNA (minimum 1 µg), and dried blood spot (FTA card). VIP mobile phlebotomy and temperature-controlled cold-chain home collection is available daily from 8 AM to 11 PM across all major UAE cities.
5. Will the test detect all known TACO1 variants?
Yes, our NGS assay covers the entire coding sequence, including all annotated exons and flanking intronic regions. It achieves >99.5% sensitivity for single-nucleotide variants, small indels, and canonical splice-site mutations. Large deletions or structural rearrangements are evaluated by supplementary orthogonal methods if indicated by coverage drop-out.
UAE Regulatory & Data Privacy Adherence
Data Protection Framework
All genetic data is processed in compliance 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. Results are encrypted, access-limited, and retained only for the duration required by UAE health records regulation.
Clinical Safety & Consent
Informed consent for genetic testing follows Federal Decree-Law No. 4 of 2016 on Medical Liability. Patients receive pre-test counselling explaining the scope, limitations, and potential implications of findings, including the possibility of incidental variants requiring disclosure to at-risk relatives.
Clinical & Logistical Metadata
| Test Name | TACO1 Gene Analysis for Leigh Syndrome (Mitochondrial Complex IV Deficiency) – NGS Genetic Test |
| Price (AED) | 2,800 |
| Turnaround Time | 21–28 business days |
| Sample Type / Matrix | Whole blood (EDTA), extracted DNA, dried blood spot (FTA card) |
| Methodology Used | Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) – full TACO1 gene coding region analysis |
| ICD-10-CM Code | E88.41 |
| LOINC Code | 94872-0 |
| DHA Facility License & Laboratory Address | DHA License #1143 · Premises 105, Floor 1, Building 33, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai, UAE · DNA Labs UAE |
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