HCRT Gene Narcolepsy NGS Genetic Test
Short Name: HCRT Narcolepsy NGS Test
Also known as: HCRT Gene Sequencing, Orexin Gene Narcolepsy Test, Narcolepsy NGS Test
HCRT Gene Narcolepsy NGS Genetic Test test available at DNA Labs India for ₹20,000. Uses Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) on Blood, Extracted DNA, or FTA Card Blood Spot samples. Results in Reports are typically available within 3 to 4 weeks from receipt of the sample. You will be notified by email/WhatsApp once the report is ready for download.. Free home collection in 300+ cities across India.
🩺 Medically Reviewed By
Dr SULOCHANA HEMCHANDRA HOLLA
Consultant Medical Geneticist · Reg: 8532
Last reviewed: September 7, 2026
Overview
The purpose of this test is to detect genetic variants in the HCRT gene that are associated with narcolepsy. It helps confirm a clinical diagnosis, differentiate narcolepsy type 1 from other causes of hypersomnia, and provide information that may guide treatment decisions and family counseling.
- Test Code
- 4394
- ICD Code
- G47.4
- Price
- ₹20,000
- Sample Type
- Blood, Extracted DNA, or FTA Card Blood Spot
- Result Time
- Reports are typically available within 3 to 4 weeks from receipt of the sample. You will be notified by email/WhatsApp once the report is ready for download.
- Fasting Required
- No
- Method
- Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS)
Sample Collection
No fasting is required. Please carry your doctor's prescription and any prior sleep study reports. No specific preparation is needed for blood or FTA card collection.
Method: Peripheral blood draw or finger-prick blood spot on FTA card
Laboratory Analysis
For whole blood, a small volume of blood is drawn from a vein in your arm by a trained phlebotomist. For FTA card, a drop of blood is obtained from a finger prick and applied onto the FTA card. The process is quick and minimally invasive.
Report Delivery
You can resume normal activities immediately. If FTA card is used, let it air-dry for at least 30 minutes. Keep the sample in a clean, dry, sealed envelope and hand it over to the collection executive.
Timeline: Reports are typically available within 3 to 4 weeks from receipt of the sample. You will be notified by email/WhatsApp once the report is ready for download.
Patient Instructions
About This Test
Who Should Get This Test
The purpose of this test is to detect genetic variants in the HCRT gene that are associated with narcolepsy. It helps confirm a clinical diagnosis, differentiate narcolepsy type 1 from other causes of hypersomnia, and provide information that may guide treatment decisions and family counseling.
How to Prepare
- Use EDTA vacutainer for whole blood sample.
- Ensure FTA card is soaked evenly with blood spot of at least 10 mm diameter.
- Label the sample correctly with patient name, ID, and collection date.
- Do not freeze whole blood samples. Store at room temperature until pick-up.
- Ship the sample to the laboratory within 48 hours of collection.
Doctor's Notes
Reviewed by Dr SULOCHANA HEMCHANDRA HOLLA — MBBS, MD (Medical Genetics) · Reg. No. 8532
"Genetic testing for narcolepsy provides valuable insight when sleep studies are inconclusive. A confirmed HCRT gene variant can guide treatment strategies and support family counseling. It should always be interpreted alongside a complete neurological and sleep assessment."
Last medically reviewed: September 7, 2026
Test Parameters & Specifications
Sample Stability
- Hemolyzed or clotted whole blood sample
- Insufficient sample volume / blood spot size
- Sample received without proper patient identification
- Sample exposed to extreme temperatures or leaked during transport
Understanding Your Results
Pathogenic or Likely Pathogenic variant detected
This finding indicates a genetic basis for narcolepsy. Clinical correlation is recommended, and the patient may benefit from targeted treatment and family testing.
Variant of Uncertain Significance (VUS)
The clinical significance of this variant is not yet known. Additional family testing, segregation analysis, or further research may be needed to reclassify it as pathogenic or benign.
No pathogenic variants detected
No disease-causing mutations were found in the HCRT gene. However, narcolepsy can still be present due to other genetic, autoimmune, or non-genetic causes.
If you experience persistent excessive daytime sleepiness, sudden muscle weakness, sleep paralysis, hallucinations while falling asleep or waking up, or consistent poor sleep quality, consult a neurologist or sleep specialist. Genetic testing should be considered when the clinical picture suggests narcolepsy and other causes have been ruled out.
Limitations
- ⚠This test only analyzes the HCRT gene and does not rule out other genetic causes of narcolepsy.
- ⚠Variants of uncertain significance may be identified, which require additional family studies or functional analysis.
- ⚠The test does not assess HLA DQB1*06:02, which is a well-known risk factor for narcolepsy.
- ⚠A negative result does not exclude narcolepsy, as non-genetic factors may also cause the condition.
Risks & Considerations
- ●Minor bleeding or bruising at the needle site
- ●Dizziness or fainting during blood draw
- ●Rare possibility of infection, minimized by using sterile equipment
- ●No significant medical risks from the test itself
Interfering Factors
- ●Improper sample storage leading to DNA degradation
- ●Heparin contamination inhibiting amplification
- ●Presence of maternal cell contamination (in prenatal or cord blood samples)
- ●Very low DNA concentration or poor quality DNA
Compare With Similar Tests
| Test | HCRT Gene Narcolepsy NGS Genetic Test | HLA DQB1*06:02 Genetic Test | Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) | Polysomnography (Overnight Sleep Study) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comparison | HCRT Gene Narcolepsy NGS Genetic Test | This test detects the HLA allele associated with narcolepsy type 1. It is less specific than HCRT gene sequencing because the allele can occur in healthy people. HCRT gene NGS test directly examines the gene causing orexin deficiency. | MSLT measures how quickly a person falls asleep during the day. It is a functional test that requires an overnight sleep study. HCRT gene test provides a molecular diagnosis and can be done at any time. | This test records brain waves, eye movements, and muscle activity during sleep. It detects sleep architecture abnormalities. Genetic testing analyzes the underlying genetic cause rather than sleep patterns. |
Frequently Asked Questions
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