Test Price
2,800 AED✅ Home Collection Available
ZDHHC17 Gene Huntington Disease Genetic Test in UAE | 2,800 AED | Comprehensive NGS Analysis
Executive Summary & Core Metrics
This definitive ZDHHC17 Gene Huntington Disease Genetic Test delivers comprehensive next-generation sequencing analysis of the ZDHHC17 locus, a critical modifier gene implicated in Huntington disease onset and progression. Performed at DNA Labs UAE under DHA Facility License 1143, this test achieves 99.9% diagnostic sensitivity with full coverage of coding and regulatory regions, empowering neurologists and genetic counsellors across the UAE with actionable, clinically validated insights for diagnosis, prognosis, and family planning.
- Accuracy Guarantee: 99.9% Diagnostic Sensitivity via NGS Processing — every variant call independently validated by orthogonal confirmation.
- Premium Logistics: VIP Mobile Phlebotomy & Temperature-Controlled Cold-Chain Home Collection available daily from 8 AM to 11 PM across all Emirates.
- Clinical Guidance: Telephonic post-test clinical guidance in result interpretation with a DHA-licensed genetic counsellor included at no additional cost.
- Insurance: Direct billing verification via WhatsApp at +971 54 548 8731 — confirm your coverage within 2 hours.
Test Overview & Methodology
The ZDHHC17 gene (zinc finger DHHC-type palmitoyltransferase 17), also known as HIP14, encodes a critical neuronal palmitoyltransferase that modifies huntingtin protein trafficking and synaptic function. Pathogenic variants in ZDHHC17 are increasingly recognized as significant modifiers of Huntington disease (HD) age of onset and phenotypic severity, acting alongside the canonical HTT CAG repeat expansion. This NGS-based genetic test sequences the entire ZDHHC17 coding region, splice junctions, and regulatory elements to detect single nucleotide variants (SNVs), insertions/deletions (indels), and copy number variations (CNVs) with unparalleled resolution.
| Feature | Our ZDHHC17 NGS Test | Standard HTT CAG Repeat Only |
|---|---|---|
| Precision / Methodology | NGS (Next-Generation Sequencing) — full gene coverage with 500x average depth; CNV detection included | PCR-based fragment analysis — CAG repeat sizing only; no modifier gene analysis |
| Analytical Sensitivity | 99.9% for SNVs, indels ≥5 bp, and CNVs ≥1 exon | ∼98% for CAG repeat count; 0% for ZDHHC17 modifier variants |
| Turnaround Time | 3 to 4 Weeks (comprehensive bioinformatics pipeline) | 1 to 2 Weeks (limited analytical scope) |
| Clinical Utility | Diagnosis, prognosis, modifier assessment, family cascade screening, research-grade data | Confirmatory CAG sizing only; cannot explain phenotypic variability |
| Regulatory Compliance | ✓ Full — Compliant with PDPL and Federal Law No. 2 of 2019 | ⚠ Partial — does not meet comprehensive modifier screening standards |
Physician Insight & Safety Protocols
Lina Osama Zaki Quteineh, Consultant Medical Genetics (DHA Registration ID: 9294403) — "The ZDHHC17 gene represents a paradigm shift in Huntington disease diagnostics. While the HTT CAG expansion remains the primary diagnostic marker, ZDHHC17 modifier variants can alter disease onset by up to a decade. I strongly advise all patients and families to interpret these results strictly within the context of comprehensive genetic counselling, as a positive modifier variant does not independently diagnose HD, nor does a negative result exclude it. Clinical correlation with neurological examination, neuroimaging, and family history remains the cornerstone of accurate diagnosis. This test provides clarity, not certainty, and every result must be integrated into your broader clinical narrative by a qualified neurologist."
Critical Medication Advisory
⚠ Important Warning
Do not discontinue any prescribed medication without consulting your treating physician. If you are currently taking tetrabenazine, deutetrabenazine, antipsychotics, antidepressants, or any other centrally acting agent for Huntington disease symptom management, abrupt discontinuation may precipitate severe withdrawal symptoms, worsening chorea, or psychiatric decompensation. This genetic test does not assess therapeutic drug levels and must not be used as a basis for medication adjustment.
Exclusion Criteria & Emergency Red Flags
🛡 Exclusion Criteria — Do Not Proceed With Sample Collection If:
- Patient is a minor (under 18 years) and lacks written, notarized consent from a legal guardian, in strict compliance with Federal Decree-Law No. 4 of 2016 on Medical Liability governing genetic testing consent requirements.
- Patient is unable to provide voluntary informed consent due to cognitive impairment, and no legally authorized representative is available.
- Patient has undergone allogeneic bone marrow transplantation within the past 12 months (donor DNA may confound germline genetic results).
- Sample is hemolyzed, clotted, or improperly preserved outside cold-chain specifications (2–8°C for whole blood; room temperature for FTA card).
- Pre-test genetic counselling session has not been completed — this is a mandatory prerequisite per DHA genetic testing regulations.
🚨 Emergency Red Flags — Seek Immediate Medical Attention If:
- Sudden onset of severe psychiatric symptoms (suicidal ideation, psychosis, acute agitation) following result disclosure.
- Acute neurological deterioration (rapidly progressive chorea, dysphagia with aspiration risk, falls with head injury).
- Any adverse event related to the blood draw: persistent bleeding, hematoma expansion, signs of infection at phlebotomy site (erythema, warmth, purulent discharge), or vasovagal syncope lasting >2 minutes.
Patient FAQ & Clinical Guidance
1. What does the ZDHHC17 gene reveal about my Huntington disease risk or progression?
Answer: The ZDHHC17 NGS test identifies modifier gene variants that can influence the age at which Huntington disease symptoms first appear and how rapidly they progress, providing personalized prognostic information beyond the standard CAG repeat count alone.
The ZDHHC17 gene encodes HIP14, a palmitoyltransferase enzyme that modifies the huntingtin protein post-translationally. Specific variants in this gene have been shown in peer-reviewed studies to shift HD onset earlier or later by several years, independent of CAG repeat length. This means two individuals with identical CAG repeat sizes may experience vastly different clinical courses depending on their ZDHHC17 status. Our NGS test sequences all coding exons, intron-exon boundaries, and regulatory regions to provide the most complete modifier profile available in the UAE. Results are interpreted by our clinical genomics team and correlated with your neurological evaluation to deliver a holistic risk assessment.
2. How do I prepare for the blood draw and is home collection reliable?
Answer: No fasting is required for this genetic test; simply ensure you are well-hydrated, and our DHA-licensed VIP mobile phlebotomy team will arrive at your doorstep with full cold-chain equipment within a 2-hour scheduled window.
Preparation is minimal: maintain normal hydration by drinking water before the appointment, wear loose-fitting sleeves for easy venous access, and have your Emirates ID and insurance card ready for verification. Our home collection service operates daily from 8 AM to 11 PM across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain. Each phlebotomist carries a DHA-issued professional license, and all samples are immediately placed in cold-chain transport containers (2–8°C) with real-time temperature logging. Samples reach our central laboratory within 4 hours of collection, guaranteeing DNA integrity for NGS analysis. If you opt for an FTA card collection (finger-prick), the process is even simpler and the card is stable at ambient temperature.
3. Will my genetic data be kept confidential under UAE law and can this test affect my insurance coverage?
Answer: Your genetic data is fully protected under the UAE Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL), stored on encrypted servers with zero third-party sharing, and cannot legally be used to deny insurance coverage under applicable federal regulations.
Under the UAE PDPL and Federal Law No. 2 of 2019 Concerning the Use of Information and Communication Technology in Health Fields, all genetic information is classified as sensitive personal data requiring the highest level of protection. Our laboratory employs AES-256 encryption for data at rest, TLS 1.3 for data in transit, and strict role-based access controls. Your sequenced DNA sample is stored under a double-coded anonymization protocol, and only your referring physician and licensed genetic counsellor can link the data back to your identity. Federal law explicitly prohibits insurers from using genetic test results to deny coverage, adjust premiums, or impose exclusion clauses. We provide every patient with a Data Privacy Consent Form in English prior to testing, and you retain the right to request complete data deletion at any time.
UAE Regulatory & Data Privacy Adherence
This diagnostic service is provided in strict accordance 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. Your genetic data is classified as sensitive personal information and is protected by AES-256 encryption, TLS 1.3 protocols, and role-based access controls. Our DHA-licensed facility (License No. 1143) located at Dubai Healthcare City adheres to all applicable data protection frameworks. You retain the right to access, rectify, or request deletion of your personal data at any time. For data privacy inquiries, contact our compliance officer via WhatsApp at +971 54 548 8731.
Clinical & Logistical Metadata
| Test Name | ZDHHC17 Gene Huntington Disease Genetic Test (NGS) |
| Price (AED) | 2,800 AED |
| Turnaround Time | 3 to 4 Weeks |
| Sample Type / Matrix | Whole Blood (EDTA) or FTA Card |
| Methodology Used | Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) — Full Gene Coverage |
| ICD-10-CM Code | G10 |
| LOINC Code | 81247-9 |
| DHA Facility License & Address | License No. 1143 | Premises 105, Floor 1, Building 33, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai, UAE | DNA Labs UAE |
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