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Medical information Clinical review pending

Genetic Testing

SCN8A Gene Early Infantile Epileptic Encephalopathy Type 13 Genetic Test

Genetic test to identify mutations in the SCN8A gene associated with Early Infantile Epileptic Encephalopathy (EIEE), a severe neurological disorder in infants. Helps guide 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
A blood sample is required. Confirm specific volume and collection tube type with the laboratory before booking.
Results
Confirm turnaround time with the laboratory before booking.
Preparation
No special preparation is typically required for a blood draw. Confirm with the laboratory.
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 SCN8A Gene Early Infantile Epileptic Encephalopathy Type 13 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.

  • ✓Infants with frequent, unexplained seizures.
  • ✓Infants experiencing developmental delays.
  • ✓Infants with abnormal muscle tone or other neurological symptoms.
  • ✓Family history of SCN8A-related disorders.
  • ✓Confirmation of suspected SCN8A-related EIEE.
  • ✓Genetic counseling for families with affected children.
02

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

This test helps confirm a diagnosis of Early Infantile Epileptic Encephalopathy (EIEE) caused by mutations in the SCN8A gene. Identifying the specific genetic mutation can aid in understanding the cause of the infant's symptoms, guiding treatment decisions, and providing information for genetic counseling.
The SCN8A Gene Early Infantile Epileptic Encephalopathy Type 13 NGS Genetic DNA Test is a diagnostic tool used to identify specific genetic changes (mutations) in the SCN8A gene. These changes are known to cause a severe neurological condition called early infantile epileptic encephalopathy (EIEE). This condition typically appears in infancy and is characterized by frequent seizures, developmental delays, and other neurological issues. Early diagnosis is important for managing the condition effectively.

This test uses advanced next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology to analyze the SCN8A gene. The SCN8A gene provides instructions for making a protein that is part of a sodium channel in the brain. These channels are crucial for nerve cell communication. Detecting specific mutations in this gene can help confirm a diagnosis of SCN8A-related EIEE.

Understanding the genetic basis of EIEE can help healthcare providers make informed decisions about treatment and management strategies. It can also provide families with important information about the condition and potential risks for future children.
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 typically required for a blood draw. Confirm with the laboratory.
SampleA blood sample is required. Confirm specific volume and collection tube type with the laboratory before booking.
MethodologyNext-Generation Sequencing (NGS) is used to analyze the SCN8A gene for pathogenic variants.
PrivacyYour sample and report are handled confidentially. Ask the team how your information is stored and shared.
This test analyzes the SCN8A gene specifically. It may not detect mutations in other genes that can cause similar symptoms. The test may not identify all possible mutations within the SCN8A gene. Results should be interpreted in the context of clinical findings and family history.
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

EIEE is a group of severe neurological disorders that begin in infancy, characterized by frequent seizures and developmental delays.
The SCN8A gene provides instructions for making a protein involved in nerve cell communication in the brain.
Infants with symptoms like frequent seizures, developmental delays, or abnormal muscle tone, especially if EIEE is suspected by a doctor.
A healthcare provider or genetic counselor will interpret the results in the context of the infant's symptoms and medical history.
No, this test specifically looks for mutations in the SCN8A gene, which cause a specific type of EIEE. Other tests may be needed for different types of epilepsy.
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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