Test Price
2,800 AEDโ Home Collection Available
MT-TC Gene MELAS Syndrome Genetic Test in UAE DHA-Approved | 2800 AED
Executive Summary & Core Metrics
- โ๏ธ Diagnostic Accuracy: Greater than 99.9% clinical sensitivity for MT-TC mutations via Next-Generation Sequencing in an ISO 9001:2015 accredited laboratory.
- โ๏ธ VIP Home Collection: Temperature-controlled cold-chain mobile phlebotomy available daily from 8 AM to 11 PM across all Dubai and UAE regions.
- โ๏ธ Post-Test Clinical Guidance: Telephonic consultation with a DHA-credentialed geneticist to interpret results and coordinate specialist referrals.
- โ๏ธ Insurance Verification: Direct billing check via WhatsApp at +971 54 548 8731 for seamless claim processing.
Test Overview & Methodology
This advanced molecular diagnostic test analyzes the mitochondrial MT-TC gene using deep-coverage Next-Generation Sequencing to confirm or rule out MELAS syndrome (Mitochondrial Encephalomyopathy, Lactic Acidosis, and Stroke-like episodes). MELAS is a progressive multi-system disorder with predominant cardiovascular, neurological, and metabolic manifestations. Early genetic confirmation enables targeted surveillance, preventive cardiology referrals, and family cascade screening.
| Feature | DNA Labs UAE Test DHA-Approved | Closest Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Targeted Gene | MT-TC full coding region via NGS | MT-TL1 only or limited hotspot panel |
| Methodology | Deep-coverage Next-Generation Sequencing | Sanger sequencing or allele-specific PCR |
| Clinical Sensitivity | Greater than 99.9 percent for MT-TC mutations | 80 to 90 percent may miss rare variants |
| Turnaround Time | 3 to 4 weeks | 4 to 6 weeks typical outsourced |
| Pre-Test Counseling | Mandatory genetic counseling session and pedigree chart | Often optional |
Physician Insight & Safety Protocols
Lina Osama Zaki Quteineh Consultant Medical Genetics DHA Registration ID 9294403 confirms that MT-TC gene variants require careful clinical correlation with neurological findings, serum lactate levels, and cardiac imaging to establish a definitive MELAS diagnosis. Genetic results must be interpreted alongside a thorough family history and metabolic profile.
Medication Advisory
Do not discontinue any prescribed medication including anticonvulsants, cardiac drugs, or supplements such as CoQ10 without consulting your treating physician. Genetic findings alone are not a basis for therapeutic changes. All medication adjustments must be guided by clinical evaluation.
Exclusion Criteria & Emergency Red Flags
- Exclusion: Inability to provide informed consent or absence of mandatory pre-test genetic counseling session.
- Exclusion: Active febrile illness or acute metabolic decompensation testing should be deferred until clinically stable.
- Emergency Red Flag: Sudden onset of stroke-like episodes including confusion, visual loss, or hemiparesis proceed immediately to a stroke-ready hospital.
- Emergency Red Flag: Severe lactic acidosis with tachypnea, vomiting, or altered consciousness urgent medical intervention required.
- Emergency Red Flag: New cardiac arrhythmia or cardiomyopathy symptoms including chest pain or syncope emergency cardiology evaluation needed.
Patient FAQ & Clinical Guidance
1. What does a positive MT-TC gene mutation result mean for my health?
A positive result confirms a genetic predisposition to MELAS syndrome, which can cause stroke-like episodes, lactic acidosis, cardiomyopathy, and neurological decline. Clinical severity varies widely and is influenced by heteroplasmy levels, tissue distribution, and environmental factors. A positive result does not predict the exact age of onset or disease trajectory but enables proactive surveillance and family planning.
2. Is a home blood collection available and safe for DNA testing?
Yes, our DHA-licensed phlebotomy team uses ISO-certified temperature-controlled cold-chain kits for home collection from 8 AM to 11 PM daily. The collection protocol uses EDTA whole blood tubes that preserve high-molecular-weight DNA for sequencing. All samples are transported under continuous temperature monitoring to ensure genomic integrity.
3. How long will my MELAS genetic results take and who will explain them?
Results are typically available within 3 to 4 weeks from sample receipt. A telephonic consultation with a DHA-credentialed consultant medical geneticist is scheduled to explain the findings, discuss heteroplasmy levels, and coordinate referrals to neurology, cardiology, or metabolic specialists as indicated.
4. Can this test be performed on other family members for carrier screening?
Yes, cascade testing is recommended for first-degree relatives if a pathogenic MT-TC variant is identified. Mitochondrial inheritance patterns follow maternal lineage, and family testing requires separate informed consent and pre-test genetic counseling. Our laboratory supports multi-member family testing with coordinated result reporting.
5. What is the difference between this MT-TC test and a broader mitochondrial panel?
This test is a single-gene analysis of MT-TC with deep NGS coverage. A broader mitochondrial genome panel includes all 37 mitochondrial genes and may detect variants in MT-ND1 through MT-ND6, MT-CO1 through MT-CO3, and other tRNA genes. Our genetic counselor can help determine which test is appropriate based on your clinical presentation.
UAE Regulatory & Data Privacy Adherence
DNA Labs UAE operates under DHA Facility License Number 1143 and complies with Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021 on Personal Data Protection and Federal Law No. 2 of 2019 Concerning the Use of Information and Communication Technology in Health Fields. All genetic data is encrypted, access-restricted, and processed under strict clinical governance protocols aligned with Federal Decree-Law No. 4 of 2016 on Medical Liability. Patient consent is obtained and documented before any genetic analysis begins.
Clinical & Logistical Metadata
| Test Name | MT-TC Gene MELAS Syndrome Genetic Test |
| Price AED | 2800 |
| Turnaround Time | 3 to 4 weeks |
| Sample Type Matrix | Whole Blood EDTA or Buccal Swab |
| Methodology Used | Next-Generation Sequencing NGS Deep Coverage |
| ICD-10-CM Code | E88.41 MELAS Syndrome |
| LOINC Code | 94043-5 Mitochondrial DNA complete gene analysis |
| DHA Facility License and Laboratory Address | License 1143 Premises 105 Floor 1 Building 33 Dubai Healthcare City Dubai UAE DNA Labs UAE |
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