SCA Comprehensive Panel Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About SCA Comprehensive Panel Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | SCA Panel, Ataxia Genetic Panel, Spinocerebellar Ataxia Repeat Expansion Panel |
| Sample Type | Whole blood (EDTA tube, lavender top) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 15 days |
| Recommended For | All genders; adults with symptoms or a family history of cerebellar ataxia |
| Price | Starting at ₹19,000 |
What Is an SCA Comprehensive Panel Test?
The SCA Comprehensive Panel is a genetic test that checks for abnormal DNA repeat expansions in genes linked to spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA), a group of inherited neurological conditions affecting balance and coordination. The test analyses six genes: ATXN1, ATXN2, ATXN3, ATXN7, CACNA1A, and PPP2R2B. A small blood sample is all that is needed. Doctors typically order this Ataxia Genetic Panel when a patient shows progressive balance or coordination problems, or when there is a family history of ataxia.
What Does a SCA Comprehensive Panel Test Measure?
The Spinocerebellar Ataxia Panel analyses the number of CAG (cytosine-adenine-guanine) trinucleotide repeats within each of six genes. An abnormally high number of these repeating DNA segments is what causes disease. The test covers the following genes and their associated SCA types:
| Gene | SCA Type | What It Checks |
|---|---|---|
| ATXN1 | SCA1 | CAG repeat expansions; the result is influenced by interrupting CAT repeats |
| ATXN2 | SCA2 | CAG repeat number linked to slowly progressive ataxia and slow eye movements |
| ATXN3 | SCA3 (Machado-Joseph disease) | CAG repeats, causing the most common form of dominant ataxia worldwide |
| CACNA1A | SCA6 | CAG repeats in a calcium channel gene linked to late-onset cerebellar ataxia |
| ATXN7 | SCA7 | CAG expansion associated with ataxia and progressive vision loss |
| PPP2R2B | SCA12 | Repeat expansions linked to tremor and cerebellar ataxia |
Why Is an SCA Comprehensive Panel Test Done?
This test is ordered when neurological symptoms suggest an inherited ataxia, or when a family history raises the possibility of passing on a genetic condition. Below are the key reasons a doctor may request this SCA Panel.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
Several neurological signs can prompt a doctor to recommend the Spinocerebellar Ataxia Panel. These include:
- Unsteady gait or difficulty walking in a straight line
- Poor coordination and balance problems
- Slurred speech or difficulty swallowing
- Rapid, involuntary eye movements (nystagmus)
- Weakness or limited control of eye movements
- Muscle stiffness (spasticity) in the limbs
- Tremors or shaking of the hands or body
- Psychiatric issues
- Increased reflex response of the muscles
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
This panel can help confirm or rule out several inherited ataxia conditions. These include:
- Spinocerebellar ataxia types 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, and 12
- Machado-Joseph disease (SCA3) is the most common dominant ataxia type worldwide
- Other CAG repeat expansion disorders affecting cerebellar function
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No special preparation is needed for this test, but there are a few practical steps that will help ensure smooth sample collection and accurate results.
Do You Need to Fast?
No, fasting is not required before the SCA Comprehensive Panel blood draw. You may eat and drink as normal on the day of collection. No dietary restrictions apply.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
A little preparation before your appointment will help things go smoothly. Keep the following in mind:
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and family history, as this is required for the test
- Make a note of any medications you are currently taking and inform the phlebotomist before collection
- Seek genetic counselling before and after testing if this is a predictive test (i.e., you have no symptoms but a family history of SCA)
- Inform the laboratory if you have recently had a blood transfusion or a bone marrow transplant, as these can affect DNA results
- No specific dietary or lifestyle changes are needed on the day of the test
Step-by-Step Procedure
Here is what to expect during sample collection for the Ataxia Genetic Panel:
- A trained phlebotomist will verify your identity and complete the test request form with your clinical details.
- A tourniquet is placed on your upper arm, and a vein in the crook of your elbow is located.
- A small quantity (2 ml) of blood is drawn using a sterile needle into a lavender-top EDTA tube.
- The puncture site is covered with a small dressing; the process takes only a few minutes.
- The sample is labelled, stored at 2 to 8°C (refrigerated), and dispatched to the laboratory for processing.
- In the laboratory, the DNA is extracted, and fragment analysis (capillary electrophoresis) is used to count the number of CAG repeats in each gene.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Certain factors may influence the reliability of your result. These include:
- Recent blood transfusion or a prior bone marrow (haematopoietic stem cell) transplant from an unrelated donor
- Somatic mosaicism, where the repeat size in blood may differ from that in other tissues, such as the brain
- Mislabelled or poorly preserved samples
- Rare genetic variants not yet documented in scientific literature
- Insufficient or incomplete clinical history provided at the time of testing
Understanding Your SCA Comprehensive Panel Test Results
Results from a genetic test such as this one require careful interpretation by a qualified doctor or genetic counsellor. The table below shows general reference ranges for the genes included in this SCA Panel.
| SCA Subtype | Normal Range | Intermediate / Reduced Penetrance | Full-Penetrance Pathogenic Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| SCA1 (ATXN1) | <36 repeats (without CAT interruption); 36–43 repeats (with CAT interruption) | 36–38 repeats (depending on CAT interruption status) | ≥39 repeats (without CAT interruption); >43 repeats (with CAT interruption) |
| SCA2 (ATXN2) | ≤31 repeats | 32–33 repeats (reduced penetrance reported) | ≥34 repeats |
| SCA3 / Machado-Joseph Disease (ATXN3) | <45 repeats | 45–59 repeats | ≥60 repeats |
| SCA6 (CACNA1A) | <19 repeats | 19 repeats (borderline) | ≥20 repeats |
| SCA7 (ATXN7) | <19 repeats | 28–36 repeats (reduced penetrance/intermediate alleles reported) | ≥37 repeats |
Disclaimer: These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
A normal result means no pathogenic repeat expansions were found in the tested genes. This reduces, but does not fully exclude, the possibility of other rare ataxia subtypes.
A positive result confirms a specific SCA subtype and may have implications for other family members, given the autosomal dominant inheritance pattern (a 50% chance of passing the condition to each child).
Results During Special Conditions
Certain circumstances can alter how results are interpreted.
A previous allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplant (bone marrow transplant from a donor) will interfere with DNA testing, as the DNA in blood will partly reflect the donor's genetic profile. A recent blood transfusion may similarly affect the accuracy of DNA analysis. In cases of somatic mosaicism, the repeat count in the blood sample may not reflect the repeat count in the brain or nervous system tissue.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
Because SCA is a genetic condition, there are no lifestyle changes that can prevent or reverse a confirmed genetic diagnosis. However, the following general steps may support overall neurological health and symptom management:
- Avoid alcohol and any medicines known to affect cerebellar function, as these may worsen coordination symptoms
- Stay as physically active as possible; physiotherapy and balance exercises can support mobility
- Engage with speech therapy or occupational therapy to manage any functional difficulties
Lupin Diagnostics SCA Comprehensive Panel Test Price and Home Collection
The SCA Comprehensive Panel is available at Lupin Diagnostics starting at ₹19,000, with home collection available across multiple cities in India.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| Mumbai | ₹19,000 |
| Guwahati | ₹19,000 |
| Bengaluru | ₹19,000 |
| Hyderabad | ₹19,000 |
| Chennai | ₹19,000 |
| Pune | ₹19,000 |
| Bhopal | ₹19,000 |
| Kolkata | ₹19,000 |
Disclaimer: Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
Booking your Spinocerebellar Ataxia Panel at Lupin Diagnostics is straightforward.
- Select the SCA Comprehensive Panel test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred time slot.
- Opt for home sample collection by a certified phlebotomist, or visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within 15 days.
Home Collection
Lupin Diagnostics offers home sample collection for the SCA Panel across cities in India. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories by experienced staff. Your digital report will be accessible via email or WhatsApp once ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
The SCA Comprehensive Panel is a genetic blood test used to identify abnormal DNA repeat expansions in six genes associated with spinocerebellar ataxia. These are inherited neurological conditions that progressively affect balance, coordination, and movement. The test covers SCA types 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, and 12.
This test is recommended for adults who show symptoms of cerebellar ataxia, such as unsteady gait or poor coordination, where non-genetic causes have already been considered. It is also advised for individuals with a family history suggesting an autosomal dominant pattern of ataxia inheritance, even if they are currently symptom-free.
Most SCA types, including SCA1, SCA2, SCA3, SCA6, and SCA7, follow an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. This means that if one parent carries the faulty gene, each child has a 50% chance of inheriting it. Genetic counselling is strongly recommended for families where SCA has been confirmed.
Larger CAG repeat expansions are generally associated with an earlier age of onset, but repeat size alone cannot reliably predict when symptoms will appear or how quickly the condition will progress. A genetic counsellor can help you understand what your specific result means.
A positive result in the Ataxia Genetic Panel means a disease-causing repeat expansion was found. Because SCA is inherited, first-degree relatives (parents, siblings, and children) may also be at risk. Genetic counselling is recommended to discuss testing options for family members.
No fasting or dietary preparation is needed. The most important step is to bring a complete clinical history, including your symptoms, any previous test results, and your family's medical history. The laboratory requires this information to process and interpret the SCA Panel accurately.
The report for the SCA Comprehensive Panel is typically available within 15 days. Genetic panel testing involves detailed DNA analysis, which takes longer than routine blood tests. You will receive your report digitally via email or WhatsApp once it is ready.
SCA Comprehensive Panel Test: Booking, Price, and Results
