Test Price
2,800 AED✅ Home Collection Available
MT-RNR1 Gene Nonsyndromic Sensorineural Mitochondrial Hearing Loss Genetic Test in UAE | 2,800 AED
Executive Summary & Core Metrics
99.9% Diagnostic Sensitivity via ISO Accredited NGS Sequencing & Sanger Validation
- Accuracy Guarantee: 99.9% analytical sensitivity via ISO-accredited Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) with orthogonal Sanger confirmation.
- Premium Logistics: Complimentary VIP mobile phlebotomy and clinical-grade cold-chain home collection service from a DHA-licensed facility, available daily from 8 AM to 11 PM.
- Clinical Guidance: Mandatory pre- and post-test genetic counselling integrated into the test cycle, including pharmacogenomic interpretation of aminoglycoside ototoxicity risk.
- Insurance Support: Direct billing verification handled via WhatsApp +971 54 548 8731; pre-approvals coordinated with all major UAE health insurers.
Test Overview & Methodology
This advanced molecular diagnostic assay interrogates the entire mitochondrial MT-RNR1 gene using Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) to detect pathogenic and likely-pathogenic variants associated with nonsyndromic sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) and heightened susceptibility to aminoglycoside-induced ototoxicity. The test provides definitive molecular confirmation for index patients and enables cascade screening of maternal lineage relatives. All positive calls are independently confirmed via Sanger sequencing to ensure maximum clinical fidelity.
| Feature | DNA Labs UAE NGS Assay | Standard Targeted PCR Screen |
|---|---|---|
| Analytical Sensitivity | >99.9% across full gene | ~85-90% limited to common hotspot mutations |
| Methodology | Complete MT-RNR1 gene sequencing by NGS + Sanger confirmation of all variant calls | Allele-specific PCR for m.1555A>G and m.1494C>T only |
| Variant Spectrum | Identifies point mutations, low-level heteroplasmy (down to 10%), and novel variants | Cannot detect low-level heteroplasmy or novel/uncommon variants |
| Turnaround Time | 10-14 business days with integrated genetic counselling consultation | 4-6 weeks; often lacks specialist clinical interpretation |
Physician Insight & Safety Protocols
“A positive MT-RNR1 result is a powerful tool for prevention. It allows for precise avoidance of aminoglycoside triggers and provides clarity for family planning, transforming uncertainty into actionable genetic knowledge for the entire maternal lineage.”
— Lina Osama Zaki Quteineh, Consultant Medical Genetics, DHA Registration ID: 9294403
Aminoglycoside Medication Advisory
⚠ Medication Interaction Warning
Aminoglycoside antibiotics (e.g., gentamicin, tobramycin, amikacin) can induce rapid, irreversible hearing loss in individuals carrying MT-RNR1 mutations. Do not discontinue any prescribed medication without consulting your treating physician. Always inform healthcare professionals of your genetic susceptibility status before any new drug exposure or surgical procedure.
Patient Safety Exclusion Criteria & Red Flags
- Exclusion: This genetic test is not a substitute for acute audiological or neurological emergency assessment. Genetic counselling is mandatory for minors per Federal Law No. 2 of 2019 concerning the Use of ICT in Health Fields.
- Emergency Red Flags: Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL), acute vertigo, or new-onset tinnitus require immediate ENT emergency evaluation — do not delay clinical assessment to await genetic results.
- Pre-test Requirement: A detailed clinical history documenting aminoglycoside exposure history and a three-generation pedigree chart must be provided and reviewed during the mandatory pre-test genetic counselling session.
Patient FAQ & Clinical Guidance
1. What does the MT-RNR1 gene test detect, and why is aminoglycoside avoidance critical?
This test identifies mitochondrial DNA variants that cause lifelong sensorineural hearing loss and extreme vulnerability to aminoglycoside antibiotics, making pre-emptive avoidance essential.
The MT-RNR1 gene encodes the mitochondrial 12S ribosomal RNA. Specific mutations (most notably m.1555A>G and m.1494C>T) render the cochlea exquisitely sensitive to the ototoxic effects of aminoglycosides. Even a single dose can trigger profound, permanent hearing loss. A positive result enables lifelong avoidance of these drugs in the patient and guides maternal line relatives to be tested.
2. Who should consider undergoing this test in the UAE?
Individuals with idiopathic sensorineural hearing loss, families with a pattern of maternal hearing loss, and anyone who has experienced hearing decline after antibiotic therapy should consider testing.
It is particularly indicated for neonates failing hearing screening with no other explanatory cause, patients scheduled for surgeries where aminoglycosides may be used, and adults with unexplained tinnitus or hearing loss. Pre-conception genetic counselling is recommended for carriers to discuss mitochondrial inheritance (maternal transmission).
3. How is the test performed and what does the home collection service include?
A simple 4ml venous blood draw or a painless FTA card finger-prick is collected by a DHA-licensed phlebotomist at your home, ensuring cold-chain integrity from doorstep to laboratory.
After booking, a genetic counsellor will contact you to record family history and construct a pedigree. The mobile phlebotomy team arrives at your preferred time between 8 AM and 11 PM, seven days a week. Results are securely delivered via our online patient portal with an option for a tele-consultation with our Consultant Medical Geneticist.
UAE Regulatory & Data Privacy Adherence
Data Privacy, Security & Clinical Governance Framework
- Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021 on Personal Data Protection (PDPL): All genetic and personal data are encrypted, pseudonymized, and stored on UAE sovereign cloud infrastructure in full compliance with PDPL requirements for sensitive health data processing.
- Federal Law No. 2 of 2019 Concerning the Use of ICT in Health Fields: Digital health information systems used for test ordering, result delivery, and tele-counselling adhere to mandated cybersecurity and data governance standards.
- Federal Decree-Law No. 4 of 2016 on Medical Liability: Clinical genetic testing procedures, informed consent protocols, and patient safety mechanisms are strictly governed by this framework, ensuring full accountability and clinical governance.
Clinical & Logistical Metadata
| Test Name | MT-RNR1 Gene Nonsyndromic Sensorineural Hearing Loss & Aminoglycoside Ototoxicity Genetic Test |
| Price (AED) | 2,800 AED |
| Turnaround Time | 10-14 Business Days |
| Sample Type / Matrix | Whole Blood (4 mL EDTA) or FTA Card Finger-Prick |
| Methodology Used | Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) with Sanger Confirmation |
| ICD-10-CM Code | H90.3, H90.41, Z14.8, Z31.430 |
| LOINC Code | 70272-8 |
| DHA Facility License & Address | License No: 1143 | Premises 105, Floor 1, Building 33, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai, UAE | Corporate Lab: DNA Labs UAE |
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