Skip to main content
DNA Labs India

GCH1 Gene DYT5A NGS Genetic Test

DNA Labs India | ISO 9001:2015 Certified

GCH1 Gene DYT5A NGS Genetic Test

Short Name: GCH1 DYT5A

Also known as: Segawa Syndrome Test, Dopa-Responsive Dystonia Genetic Test, GTP Cyclohydrolase 1 Gene Test, DYT5a NGS Test

GCH1 Gene DYT5A 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 Reports are delivered within 3 to 4 weeks of the sample reaching the laboratory.. Free home collection in 300+ cities across India.

NGS Genetic TestAll Ages🏠 Home Collection

🩺 Medically Reviewed By

Overview

To identify pathogenic variants in the GCH1 gene associated with DYT5A/Segawa Syndrome and to support clinical diagnosis, treatment planning, genetic counselling and family screening.

Test Code
4026
Price
₹20,000
Sample Type
Blood or Extracted DNA or One drop Blood on FTA Card
Result Time
Reports are delivered within 3 to 4 weeks of the sample reaching the laboratory.
Fasting Required
No
Method
Next Generation Sequencing (NGS)
Step 1

Sample Collection

No fasting is required. A genetic counselling session may be arranged to draw a pedigree chart and document family history. Please share the patient's clinical history and any previous genetic testing reports with the laboratory.

Method: Venous blood draw or one-drop blood on FTA card

Step 2

Laboratory Analysis

A trained technician will collect a small blood sample from a vein in the arm. If an FTA card is used, one drop of blood will be placed on the card and allowed to dry.

Step 3

Report Delivery

The sample will be sent to the laboratory for NGS analysis. Reports are usually available within 3 to 4 weeks. You will be notified when the report is ready to download.

Timeline: Reports are delivered within 3 to 4 weeks of the sample reaching the laboratory.

Patient Instructions

1
Before the Test:No fasting is required. A genetic counselling session may be arranged to draw a pedigree chart and document family history. Please share the patient's clinical history and any previous genetic testing reports with the laboratory.
2
During the Test:A trained technician will collect a small blood sample from a vein in the arm. If an FTA card is used, one drop of blood will be placed on the card and allowed to dry.
3
After the Test:The sample will be sent to the laboratory for NGS analysis. Reports are usually available within 3 to 4 weeks. You will be notified when the report is ready to download.

About This Test

Who Should Get This Test

To identify pathogenic variants in the GCH1 gene associated with DYT5A/Segawa Syndrome and to support clinical diagnosis, treatment planning, genetic counselling and family screening.

How to Prepare

  • For blood sample: 2 mL in an EDTA vacutainer
  • For FTA card: one drop of blood applied to the FTA card and air dried
  • For extracted DNA: please contact the lab for the required quantity and quality specifications
  • Label the sample correctly with the patient's full name and date of birth
  • Maintain the sample at room temperature if it is to be transported on the same day, otherwise follow the courier instructions provided

Doctor's Notes

Reviewed by — MBBS, MD (Medical Genetics) · Reg. No. 8532

"DYT5A is one of the few movement disorders where a genetic diagnosis can lead to effective treatment with levodopa, making timely genetic testing especially valuable."

Last medically reviewed: September 7, 2026

Test Parameters & Specifications

Sample TypeBlood or Extracted DNA or One drop Blood on FTA Card
Sample VolumeAs required for DNA extraction / one drop on FTA card
ContainerEDTA vacutainer / FTA card / DNA vial
Collection MethodVenous blood draw or one-drop blood on FTA card

Sample Stability

Whole blood / EDTA: 2-8°C for up to 72 hours
FTA card: Room temperature for short-term transport; stable for several weeks at room temperature
Extracted DNA: -20°C for long-term storage
Sample Rejection Criteria:
  • Clotted or hemolyzed blood sample
  • Insufficient DNA quantity or quality
  • Improperly labeled or unlabeled sample
  • Sample exposed to extreme temperatures or delayed transport beyond acceptable time

Understanding Your Results

The GCH1 gene NGS result should be interpreted by a clinical geneticist or neurologist in the context of the patient's symptoms, neurological examination and family history.
📊

Negative

No pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant was detected in the GCH1 gene.

Action: If symptoms persist, consider other genetic or non-genetic causes of dystonia.

📊

Positive

A pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant was detected in the GCH1 gene.

Action: Clinical correlation is advised. The result supports a diagnosis of DYT5A and may guide treatment with levodopa and family testing.

📊

Variant of Uncertain Significance (VUS)

A genetic variant was found but its disease-causing role is not yet clear.

Action: Additional family studies, segregation analysis and correlation with clinical findings are recommended.

📊

Incomplete test / Technical failure

The test did not provide a complete result due to sample or technical issues.

Action: A repeat test may be required.

⚠️ When to Consult a Doctor:

If you or your child have unexplained dystonia, tremors, gait disturbance, muscle stiffness or speech difficulties, especially if symptoms began in childhood or adolescence, consult a neurologist or clinical geneticist. Genetic counselling is recommended before and after testing.

Limitations

  • This test analyses only the GCH1 gene and may not detect all possible mutations such as deep intronic variants or large rearrangements unless clearly covered and reported
  • A negative result does not exclude all causes of dystonia
  • Variants of uncertain significance (VUS) may be reported and require additional family studies
  • Results should be interpreted by a qualified specialist in correlation with clinical findings
  • This test is not intended for population-level screening

Risks & Considerations

  • Minor bleeding or bruising at the blood collection site
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness during blood draw
  • Rare infection at the venipuncture site
  • Possible psychological distress upon learning genetic findings

Interfering Factors

  • Sample contamination during collection
  • Poor DNA quality or low DNA concentration
  • Mislabeled or cross-contaminated samples
  • Bone marrow transplant or stem cell transplant-associated chimerism
  • Incomplete clinical history limiting interpretation

Compare With Similar Tests

TestGCH1 Gene DYT5A NGS Genetic Test
ComparisonGCH1 Gene DYT5A NGS Genetic Test

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the GCH1 Gene DYT5A NGS Genetic Test?
It is a targeted next-generation sequencing test that analyzes the GCH1 gene to detect mutations associated with DYT5A, also called Segawa syndrome or dopa-responsive dystonia.
What is the cost of this test at DNA Labs India?
The test costs INR 20,000, which includes NGS analysis, sample collection by a trained technician, the clinical report and raw data files in FASTQ/VCF format.
What type of sample is required?
The test can be done on a small blood sample, extracted DNA, or one drop of blood placed on an FTA card. Specific instructions are provided at the time of booking.
Do I need to fast before the test?
No, fasting is not required for this genetic test.
When will I get my report?
Reports are usually available within 3 to 4 weeks after the sample reaches the laboratory.
What does a positive result mean?
A positive result means a disease-causing or likely disease-causing mutation was found in the GCH1 gene. This should be interpreted by a neurologist or geneticist in the context of clinical symptoms.
Are raw data files provided?
Yes. DNA Labs India shares raw data files, including FASTQ and VCF files, along with the clinical report for transparency.
Who should consider this test?
People with childhood or adolescent onset of unexplained dystonia, tremors, gait problems, speech difficulties, a family history of GCH1 mutation, or a clinician’s suspicion of Segawa syndrome should consider this test.
Is home sample collection available?
Yes, free home sample collection is offered for online bookings across many cities in India.
How accurate is NGS for detecting GCH1 mutations?
NGS is a highly sensitive and accurate method for detecting single nucleotide variants and small insertions or deletions in covered regions of the GCH1 gene.
Is genetic counselling included?
A pre-test genetic counselling session is arranged to draw a pedigree chart and document family history. Post-test counselling is recommended to explain the result.
Can a negative result completely rule out DYT5A?
A negative result significantly reduces the likelihood of a GCH1-related cause, but a detailed clinical, biochemical and genetic correlation by a specialist is still needed.
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.

Related Tests

For Hospitals & Clinics

Reference Laboratory Services

We serve as a reference laboratory for hospitals and clinics across India. Send samples from your facility with same-day pickup, priority processing, and results delivered through our online portal. Competitive institutional pricing available.

LIMS Integration

Your Data Privacy

Your medical data is protected under Indian law.

Stored in India: All patient records are stored on servers located in India. No data is transferred outside the country.

DPDP Act Compliant: Under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023, you can request deletion of your records at any time by contacting support.

Book Your Test

Enter your details and we'll connect you within 15 minutes.

🧬

Quick Connect

Enter your mobile number and we’ll connect you with the team.

+91

✅ Connecting you now...

🔒 Your number is used to respond to this request.