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Medical information Clinical review pending

Genetic Testing

Leigh Syndrome Mitochondrial Encephalopathy Gene Panel

A genetic test to identify mutations associated with Leigh Syndrome, a severe neurological disorder affecting mitochondrial function. Helps in early 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
Peripheral blood, Amniotic fluid, or Chorionic villi sample.
Results
Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
Preparation
A doctor's prescription is required for this test. Please confirm specific preparation instructions with the laboratory before booking.
Test priceKSh 72,000

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 Leigh Syndrome Mitochondrial Encephalopathy Gene Panel 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.

  • ✓Infants or children with symptoms of neurological deterioration
  • ✓Individuals experiencing developmental delays
  • ✓Patients with severe muscle weakness or seizures
  • ✓Those with respiratory problems potentially linked to mitochondrial dysfunction
  • ✓Individuals with a family history of mitochondrial disorders
  • ✓Unexplained neurological symptoms suggestive of Leigh Syndrome
02

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

This test helps identify the genetic cause of Leigh Syndrome, a severe neurological disorder. Early diagnosis can lead to better management of symptoms and inform family planning.
The Leigh Syndrome Mitochondrial Encephalopathy Gene Panel is an advanced genetic test designed to detect mutations associated with Leigh Syndrome. This is a severe neurological disorder that primarily affects infants and children, often leading to significant health challenges. This test is crucial for understanding the underlying genetic causes of mitochondrial disorders.

This gene panel analyzes specific genes known to be involved in mitochondrial function and energy production. By identifying mutations in these genes, healthcare providers can gain a clearer understanding of a patient's condition and develop more tailored treatment plans.

Understanding Your Results Results from the test will indicate whether any mutations associated with Leigh Syndrome were detected. A genetic counselor or your healthcare provider will help interpret these results, explaining their significance and discussing potential next steps.
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 →
PreparationA doctor's prescription is required for this test. Please confirm specific preparation instructions with the laboratory before booking.
SamplePeripheral blood, Amniotic fluid, or Chorionic villi sample.
MethodologyNext-Generation Sequencing (NGS) or similar molecular genetic techniques.
PrivacyYour sample and report are handled confidentially. Ask the team how your information is stored and shared.
This test analyzes a specific panel of genes associated with Leigh Syndrome. It may not detect mutations in genes not included in the panel or other causes of similar symptoms. 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

Leigh Syndrome is a severe neurological disorder that usually becomes apparent in the first year of life. It affects the central nervous system and can cause progressive loss of mental and movement abilities.
Testing is typically recommended for individuals, especially infants and children, showing symptoms like developmental delays, muscle weakness, seizures, or breathing difficulties suggestive of mitochondrial disease.
A sample can be collected from peripheral blood, amniotic fluid, or chorionic villi, depending on the patient's situation and physician's recommendation.
Results will indicate if mutations in the tested genes were found. A genetic counselor or your doctor will explain the results and their implications.
Yes, a doctor's prescription is required to proceed with this test.
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.

Explore partnerships
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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