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Medical information Clinical review pending

Genetic Testing

CACNA1H Gene Epilepsy Childhood Absence Type 6 Susceptibility to Genetic Test

This genetic test analyzes the CACNA1H gene to identify potential susceptibility to childhood absence epilepsy, aiding in diagnosis and management.

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
Blood sample (EDTA tube) or extracted DNA. Confirm specific requirements with the laboratory before booking.
Results
Approximately 3 to 4 weeks. Confirm exact turnaround time with the laboratory before booking.
Preparation
No specific patient preparation is required for a blood draw. Confirm with the laboratory for any specific instructions.
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 CACNA1H Gene Epilepsy Childhood Absence Type 6 Susceptibility to 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.

  • ✓Children presenting with symptoms suggestive of childhood absence epilepsy (e.g., staring spells, loss of awareness).
  • ✓Individuals with a family history of epilepsy or related neurological disorders.
  • ✓Assessing genetic risk factors for childhood absence epilepsy.
  • ✓Guiding personalized treatment and management plans.
  • ✓Informing family planning and genetic counseling.
02

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

Identifies genetic variations in the CACNA1H gene associated with susceptibility to childhood absence epilepsy, aiding in diagnosis, risk assessment, and personalized management strategies.
The CACNA1H Gene Epilepsy Childhood Absence Type 6 Susceptibility to NGS Genetic DNA Test is a diagnostic tool used to assess genetic predispositions to childhood epilepsy. It utilizes Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technology to analyze the CACNA1H gene, which is linked to neurological disorders, particularly childhood absence epilepsy. Understanding genetic factors can help guide treatment and management strategies. This test measures specific variations in the CACNA1H gene that may increase the risk of developing childhood absence epilepsy. Identifying these genetic markers allows healthcare providers to better understand risk factors and tailor interventions. This test is recommended for children showing symptoms like frequent staring spells, sudden loss of awareness, or uncontrollable jerking movements. Individuals with a family history of epilepsy or neurological disorders may also benefit from this test to assess genetic risks. Early diagnosis through genetic testing can lead to timely intervention and improved outcomes. It also provides valuable information for family planning and genetic counseling, enabling personalized treatment plans. Results are provided in a comprehensive report, which will be interpreted by a genetic counselor or neurologist to discuss implications for treatment and management. A positive result indicates an increased risk but does not guarantee the development of the condition.
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 specific patient preparation is required for a blood draw. Confirm with the laboratory for any specific instructions.
SampleBlood sample (EDTA tube) or extracted DNA. Confirm specific requirements with the laboratory before booking.
MethodologyNext Generation Sequencing (NGS) analysis of the CACNA1H gene.
PrivacyYour sample and report are handled confidentially. Ask the team how your information is stored and shared.
This test identifies specific variations in the CACNA1H gene but may not detect all genetic causes of epilepsy. A negative result does not completely rule out genetic susceptibility. Interpretation requires clinical correlation.
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

Childhood absence epilepsy is a type of epilepsy characterized by brief, sudden lapses of awareness, often appearing as staring spells.
This test analyzes the CACNA1H gene for specific genetic variations that may increase the risk of developing childhood absence epilepsy.
No, a positive result indicates an increased susceptibility or risk, but it does not guarantee that the individual will develop the condition.
A genetic counselor or neurologist will interpret the results and discuss their implications with you.
The test typically requires a blood sample, which can be collected at our facility or through our home collection service.
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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