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CACNA1H Gene Epilepsy, childhood absence type 6, susceptibility to NGS Genetic Test

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CACNA1H Gene Epilepsy, childhood absence type 6, susceptibility to NGS Genetic Test

Short Name: CACNA1H Epilepsy NGS

Also known as: CACNA1H Gene Mutation Test, Childhood Absence Epilepsy Type 6 Genetic Test, NGS Epilepsy Gene Test

CACNA1H Gene Epilepsy, childhood absence type 6, susceptibility to NGS Genetic Test test available at DNA Labs India for ₹20,000. Uses Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) on Blood or Extracted DNA or One drop Blood on FTA Card samples. Results in 3 to 4 Weeks hours. Free home collection in 300+ cities across India.

NGS Genetic TestPrimarily children (4-12 years), all ages🏠 Home Collection

🩺 Medically Reviewed By

Overview

The purpose of the CACNA1H gene NGS test is to identify disease-causing variants in the CACNA1H gene that may increase susceptibility to childhood absence epilepsy type 6. The result can help confirm a genetic basis for the condition, guide management, and inform family members about recurrence risks.

Test Code
4066
Price
₹20,000
Sample Type
Blood or Extracted DNA or One drop Blood on FTA Card
Result Time
3 to 4 Weeks hours
Fasting Required
No
Method
Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS)
Step 1

Sample Collection

No special preparation is required. A detailed clinical history of the patient, including age of onset, seizure types, EEG findings, and family history, should be provided. A genetic counselling session is recommended before the test to understand implications.

Method: Peripheral blood venipuncture or FTA card spot

Step 2

Laboratory Analysis

A trained phlebotomist will collect a blood sample from an arm vein. For FTA card, one drop of blood from a finger prick (or heel in infants) is applied to the card. The procedure is quick and simple.

Step 3

Report Delivery

No recovery period is needed. The child can resume normal activities immediately after sample collection. The sample will be securely transported to the laboratory for analysis.

About This Test

Who Should Get This Test

The purpose of the CACNA1H gene NGS test is to identify disease-causing variants in the CACNA1H gene that may increase susceptibility to childhood absence epilepsy type 6. The result can help confirm a genetic basis for the condition, guide management, and inform family members about recurrence risks.

How to Prepare

  • Blood: 3-5 ml in an EDTA vacutainer, gently invert to mix.
  • Extracted DNA: 5-10 µg in a sterile tube, labeled with patient ID.
  • FTA card: Apply one drop of blood onto the printed circle, air dry for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, store in a dry place.

Doctor's Notes

Reviewed by — MBBS, MD (Pathology) · Reg. No. 21521

"CACNA1H gene variations may contribute to childhood absence epilepsy susceptibility. Genetic testing can support aetiological diagnosis and inform family counselling. Discuss results with your child's neurologist."

Last medically reviewed: September 7, 2026

Test Parameters & Specifications

Sample TypeBlood or Extracted DNA or One drop Blood on FTA Card
ContainerEDTA tube / sterile DNA tube / FTA card
Collection MethodPeripheral blood venipuncture or FTA card spot

Sample Stability

Blood: Stable for 24-48 hours at 2-8°C; up to 1 week if stored at -20°C (avoid freeze-thaw cycles).
Extracted DNA: Stable at -20°C for months.
FTA card: Stable at room temperature for several months.
Sample Rejection Criteria:
  • Clotted or hemolyzed blood sample.
  • Insufficient sample quantity.
  • Sample not properly labelled or with incomplete requisition form.
  • Sample received without appropriate patient consent or genetic counselling documentation.

Understanding Your Results

The result of the NGS test should be interpreted by a clinical geneticist in the context of the patient's clinical presentation. A positive result indicates the presence of a pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant in CACNA1H, suggesting an increased genetic susceptibility to childhood absence epilepsy type 6. A negative result reduces but does not completely exclude a genetic cause. A variant of uncertain significance (VUS) may require additional investigation.
📊

Positive

Action: Pathogenic variant detected: consistent with CACNA1H-associated susceptibility. Discuss with a neurologist and genetic counsellor for management and family screening.

📊

Negative

Action: No pathogenic variant identified. Other genetic or non-genetic causes of epilepsy should be considered.

📊

Variant of Unknown Significance (VUS)

Action: Additional family testing may clarify the significance. Counsel the family on the need for further evaluation.

⚠️ When to Consult a Doctor:

Consult a doctor if the test result is positive, if the child had a previous unexplained seizure, or if seizure control is not optimal. Any new neurological symptoms should be evaluated promptly.

Limitations

  • This test analyzes the CACNA1H gene only and may not detect mutations in other epilepsy-related genes.
  • Large deletions, duplications, or deep intronic variants may not be detected by standard NGS.
  • A negative result does not exclude a genetic cause of epilepsy.
  • Variants of unknown significance may require additional family studies.

Risks & Considerations

  • Minimal risk of bruising, bleeding, or infection at the site of blood draw.
  • Fingertip or heel prick may cause temporary discomfort.

Interfering Factors

  • Blood transfusion within the last 72 hours can dilute the patient's DNA.
  • Contaminated or degraded DNA may cause test failure.
  • Sample mix-up or mislabelling can result in incorrect results.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is childhood absence epilepsy type 6?
Childhood absence epilepsy type 6 is a form of epilepsy associated with mutations in the CACNA1H gene. It typically causes brief staring spells in children and may be inherited as a complex trait with susceptibility factors.
What is the role of the CACNA1H gene?
The CACNA1H gene provides instructions for making the alpha-1H subunit of the T-type calcium channel, which helps regulate electrical activity in the brain. Certain variants increase the risk of abnormal neuronal firing, predisposing to absence seizures.
How is childhood absence epilepsy diagnosed?
Diagnosis is based on clinical history, EEG showing typical generalized spike-wave discharges, and exclusion of other causes. Genetic testing may be used to identify an underlying genetic susceptibility.
Who should get the CACNA1H NGS test?
Children or adults with suspected childhood absence epilepsy, unexplained staring spells, family history of absence epilepsy, or a medical indication to investigate a genetic cause for seizures.
What is the cost of the test at DNA Labs India?
The test costs INR 20000. This includes free home sample collection for online bookings, NGS analysis, and genetic counselling.
What sample types are accepted?
EDTA blood, extracted DNA, or one drop of blood on an FTA card. Home sample collection is available across many cities in India.
How long does it take to get the report?
The report is typically delivered within 3 to 4 weeks from the date the sample is received by the laboratory.
Is genetic counselling included?
Yes, a pre-test genetic counselling session is recommended, and our laboratory provides genetic counselling to help interpret the result and explain implications.
What does a positive result mean?
A positive result means a pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant was found in the CACNA1H gene, indicating an increased susceptibility to childhood absence epilepsy type 6. A clinical geneticist should discuss the result with you.
What does a negative result mean?
A negative result means no pathogenic variant was detected in the CACNA1H gene. It does not completely rule out a genetic cause, and further testing or clinical evaluation may be recommended.
Are there any risks of the test?
The test is performed on a blood sample or a blood spot, so the only risks are minor bruising, bleeding, or infection at the sample collection site.
How can I book this test?
You can book online on the DNA Labs India website. Free home sample collection is provided for online bookings in multiple cities across India.
Worried about the process? Our certified phlebotomists collect thousands of samples every month across India. The process takes under 5 minutes and is virtually painless. Questions? Message us on WhatsApp — we're here 7 days a week.

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