Test Price
1,500 AEDโ Home Collection Available
Prenatal Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Screening in UAE | 1,500 AED | DHA Licensed Genetics Panel
Executive Summary & Core Metrics
99.9% Diagnostic Sensitivity โ ISO 15189 Accredited Molecular Pathway
- Gold-standard MLPA technology detects SMN1 deletions, duplications, and point mutations from invasive prenatal specimens.
- Hospital extraction only โ sample collection is conducted strictly within an accredited hospital facility; mobile home phlebotomy is disabled for safety.
- Telephonic post-test genetic counseling provided by a board-certified Consultant Medical Geneticist.
- Direct insurance billing verification via WhatsApp: +971 54 548 8731
- Accuracy Guarantee:
- 99.9% Diagnostic Sensitivity via ISO Accredited Processing
- Logistics:
- Hospital Extraction Only โ Ultrasound-Guided Amniocentesis or CVS
- Clinical Guidance:
- Telephonic Post-Test Genetic Counseling for Result Interpretation
- Insurance:
- Direct Billing Verification via WhatsApp +971 54 548 8731
Test Overview & Methodology
Prenatal Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) screening employs Multiplex Ligation-dependent Probe Amplification (MLPA) to identify homozygous deletions, heterozygous deletions, and copy-number variants in the SMN1 gene. The assay is performed on fetal genomic DNA extracted from amniotic fluid, chorionic villus sampling (CVS), or cord blood obtained under continuous ultrasound guidance. This molecular platform achieves 99.9% diagnostic sensitivity for at-risk pregnancies and is fully aligned with international ACMG and DHA prenatal genetic screening protocols.
| Feature | Our Test (MLPA) | Closest Alternative (qPCR) |
|---|---|---|
| Methodology | MLPA (gold standard) | qPCR target analysis |
| Detection Range | Deletions, duplications, point mutations | Only known deletion targets |
| Turnaround Time | 7โ10 working days | 10โ14 working days |
| Diagnostic Accuracy | 99.9% | ~95% (misses rare copyโnumber changes) |
Physician Insight & Safety Protocols
From Lina Osama Zaki Quteineh, Consultant Medical Genetics (DHA ID: 9294403): Prenatal SMA screening by MLPA provides definitive molecular information for families at risk. The decision to proceed with invasive sampling should always follow comprehensive genetic counseling that includes discussion of recurrence risks, test limitations, and the full spectrum of SMA phenotypes. Results must be correlated with carrier screening data from both parents and interpreted within the clinical context of each pregnancy.
Mandatory Clinical Advisory
Invasive prenatal sampling (amniocentesis or CVS) is contraindicated in the setting of placental abruption, active vaginal bleeding, or ruptured amniotic membranes. A maternal-fetal medicine specialist must perform the procedure under sterile ultrasound guidance.
Exclusion Criteria & Emergency Red Flags
- Exclusion: Known placental abruption, active vaginal bleeding, or ruptured membranes are absolute contraindications for invasive prenatal sampling.
- Seek emergency care if you experience: severe abdominal pain, sudden leaking of fluid, fever >38ยฐC, or heavy vaginal bleeding after the procedure.
Patient FAQ & Clinical Guidance
1. What is prenatal SMA screening and why is it recommended?
Prenatal SMA screening identifies SMN1 gene deletions or mutations in fetal cells obtained via amniocentesis or CVS. It is recommended for couples with a family history of spinal muscular atrophy, known carrier status for both parents, or when previous children have been affected. Early molecular diagnosis enables informed pregnancy management decisions and timely postnatal intervention.
2. How is the sample collected for prenatal SMA testing?
A maternal-fetal medicine specialist collects amniotic fluid (amniocentesis) or chorionic villi (CVS) under continuous ultrasound guidance. The procedure is performed in a sterile hospital setting with strict aseptic technique. Both methods carry a procedure-related miscarriage risk of approximately 0.1โ0.2% when performed by an experienced operator. Hospital extraction only โ mobile home phlebotomy is disabled for safety.
3. How long do spinal muscular atrophy prenatal results take?
MLPA-based prenatal SMA screening delivers results within 7 to 10 working days from sample receipt. The extended turnaround time reflects the need for meticulous gene copy-number quantification and confirmatory analysis. Urgent cases may be prioritized; please discuss a fast-track option with your referring physician.
UAE Regulatory & Data Privacy Adherence
Federal Compliance & Data Protection Framework
DNA Labs UAE operates under DHA Facility License No. 1143 and adheres to the following UAE federal statutes:
- Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021 on Personal Data Protection (PDPL) โ governing the collection, processing, and storage of personal genetic and health data.
- Federal Law No. 2 of 2019 Concerning the Use of Information and Communication Technology in Health Fields โ regulating electronic health records, telemedicine, and digital diagnostic reporting.
- Federal Decree-Law No. 4 of 2016 on Medical Liability โ ensuring patient safety, informed consent, and clinical accountability during invasive prenatal procedures.
All genetic data is encrypted, access-controlled, and retained only for the legally mandated period. Patients have the right to request data deletion, correction, or portability under PDPL Article 9.
Clinical & Logistical Metadata
| Test Name | Prenatal Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Screening |
| Price (AED) | 1,500 |
| Turnaround Time | 7โ10 Working Days |
| Sample Type / Matrix | Amniotic Fluid, Chorionic Villi, or Cord Blood โ Hospital Extraction Only |
| Methodology Used | MLPA (Multiplex Ligation-dependent Probe Amplification) |
| ICD-10-CM Code | Z13.79 |
| LOINC Code | 53773-6 |
| DHA Facility License & Address | License No. 1143 | Premises 105, Floor 1, Building 33, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai, UAE โ DNA Labs UAE |
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