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Medical information Clinical review pending

Genetic Testing

ACADVL Gene Acyl-CoA Very Long-Chain Dehydrogenase Deficiency Genetic Test

This genetic test identifies mutations in the ACADVL gene, helping diagnose Acyl-CoA very long-chain dehydrogenase deficiency, a metabolic disorder. Early detection aids in management and treatment.

General information only: This page is not a diagnosis or personal medical advice. A qualified clinician should decide whether testing is appropriate and interpret results in context.

Review status: No completed medical review is recorded for this page.

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Counselor guidance included Confidential handling Kenya-wide coordination

At a glance

Plan your test

Sample
A blood sample is required. Typically, 3-5 mL of whole blood collected in an EDTA tube.
Results
Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
Preparation
No special preparation is usually required for this test. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
Test priceKSh 40,000

Payment: M-Pesa and card options can be confirmed during booking.

Insurance & government schemes

Is this test covered for you?

We help you verify whether the ACADVL Gene Acyl-CoA Very Long-Chain Dehydrogenase Deficiency Genetic Test test can be claimed against your insurer, employer scheme or a Kenyan government health scheme — before you book. Coverage depends on your plan, clinical indication and your provider's rules; final approval always rests with them.

Talk to a claims advisor

Providers & schemes we can help you check

Government & public schemes

SHIF — Social Health Insurance Fund Linda Mama EduAfya NHIF (legacy cards)

Eligibility and benefits follow the current rules of the Social Health Authority (SHA) and applicable government programmes.

Private insurers & employer schemes

Jubilee Health AAR APA Britam CIC Madison Resolution Pioneer Minet Old Mutual GA Life Heritage + other licensed insurers

Names shown for identification only — listing does not imply partnership or guarantee of coverage.

Have these ready when we check

  • Insurer or scheme name & policy / member number
  • A clinician's request / prescription for the test
  • Pre-authorisation letter, if your plan requires one

Free coverage check

Ask us to verify your cover

Send your details and our claims team confirms what documents you need and whether pre-authorisation applies — usually the same working day.

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Used only to process your coverage check — see our Privacy Policy. Verification support is free and does not guarantee your provider will pay.

01

Start with fit

Is this the right test for you?

The best test starts with a clear clinical question. These are common reasons a clinician or family may consider this test.

  • ✓Individuals with symptoms suggestive of VLCAD deficiency (e.g., hypoglycemia, muscle weakness, cardiomyopathy).
  • ✓Family members of individuals diagnosed with VLCAD deficiency.
  • ✓Newborn screening follow-up for suspected metabolic disorders.
  • ✓Individuals with a family history of VLCAD deficiency or related metabolic conditions.
  • ✓Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) or prenatal diagnosis in families with a known ACADVL mutation.
02

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

Diagnosis of Acyl-CoA very long-chain dehydrogenase deficiency (VLCAD deficiency), a rare inherited metabolic disorder. Identification of specific gene mutations associated with the condition.
The ACADVL Gene Acyl-CoA Very Long-Chain Dehydrogenase Deficiency NGS Genetic DNA Test is a specialized diagnostic tool used to identify mutations in the ACADVL gene. This gene is crucial for the metabolism of very long-chain fatty acids. This test is essential for diagnosing Acyl-CoA very long-chain dehydrogenase deficiency, a rare metabolic disorder that can cause serious health problems if not identified and managed early.

This test analyzes DNA from a blood sample to detect specific genetic changes linked to the deficiency. Confirming the presence of these mutations helps establish a diagnosis and guides appropriate medical care.

Individuals experiencing symptoms like low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), muscle weakness, or heart problems may benefit from this test. It is also recommended for those with a family history of metabolic disorders or newborns showing signs of metabolic dysfunction.

Early diagnosis through this test allows for timely intervention, personalized treatment strategies, and informed family planning. Genetic counseling is also available to help understand the test results and their implications.
03

Medical review status

Clinical review pending

A completed medical review is not recorded for this page. No clinician has endorsed the information shown here. Please discuss testing decisions with a qualified healthcare professional.

Meet the DNA Labs Kenya medical team →
04

A simple process

What happens next?

You do not have to navigate the test alone. We help you move from question to next step.

1

Speak with us

We check the test and answer your questions before collection.

2

Give your sample

Choose home collection or a coordinated hub visit in Kenya. We explain whether this test uses a cheek swab or blood draw.

3

Understand your report

A counselor helps you understand the result and the next steps.

05

Choose your collection

Home collection or a lab visit

We will explain the sample, preparation, and next steps before anything is collected.

Home collection

Choose a coordinated visit at home or another convenient location. Our team confirms the appointment and sample requirements in advance.

Lab or hub visit

Prefer to visit a coordinated location? We can guide you to the right hub and explain what to expect when you arrive.

Ask about locations →
PreparationNo special preparation is usually required for this test. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
SampleA blood sample is required. Typically, 3-5 mL of whole blood collected in an EDTA tube.
MethodologyNext-Generation Sequencing (NGS) of the ACADVL gene.
PrivacyYour sample and report are handled confidentially. Ask the team how your information is stored and shared.
This test primarily detects mutations within the ACADVL gene. It may not detect all possible mutations, such as large deletions or rearrangements, depending on the specific methodology used. A negative result does not completely rule out VLCAD deficiency if clinical suspicion remains high. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
06

Read your report

What common result terms mean

PositiveA finding was identified. Your clinician or counselor will explain what it means for your care.
NegativeThe specific finding tested for was not identified. It does not rule out every possible cause.
VUSA variant was found, but current evidence is not enough to classify it. Your counselor can explain follow-up.
07

Questions people ask

Frequently asked questions

It is a rare inherited metabolic disorder where the body cannot properly break down very long-chain fatty acids, which can lead to serious health issues.
Symptoms can include low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), muscle weakness, heart problems (cardiomyopathy), and liver issues. Newborns may show signs of metabolic distress.
The test involves analyzing DNA extracted from a blood sample to look for specific mutations in the ACADVL gene.
Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
Your doctor will interpret the results with you, discuss their meaning, and recommend appropriate next steps, which may include further testing, treatment, or genetic counseling.
08

Collaboration

Open for partnership with hospitals, clinics, doctors & researchers

Whether you are referring patients, building a research programme or supporting students, we work as an extension of your team — with responsive communication and clear scientific standards.

Hospitals & clinics

Referral pathways, coordinated sample logistics and shared reporting that fits your clinical workflow.

Doctors & specialists

LOINC-coded reports, ACMG-based variant classification and a direct scientific line for complex cases.

Research institutions

Sanger sequencing, NGS panels and custom assays — with project design support, batch pricing and agreed turnaround commitments.

Students & academic projects

Discounted laboratory services for college, master's and PhD research projects — including proposal guidance and cost-effective batch testing.

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09

Trust & transparency

Sources, standards & how this page is maintained

Standards & references

  • ACMG/AMP technical standards for sequence variant interpretation
  • ClinGen curation and gene–disease validity frameworks where applicable
  • LOINC-coded reporting for interoperable results
  • ISO 9001:2015 quality management; ISO 15189 accreditation in progress

Page provenance

  • Last updated: September 27, 2026
  • Medical review: not yet completed
  • Written for patients & clinicians in Kenya; reviewed periodically against current guidance

Medical disclaimer: this page is general information, not a diagnosis or personal medical advice. Testing decisions and result interpretation should be made with a qualified healthcare professional.

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