Spino Cerebral Ataxia (SCA Panel - 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 10 & 12) Test
About Spino Cerebral Ataxia (SCA Panel - 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 10 & 12) Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | SCA Panel, Spinocerebellar Ataxia Genetic Panel, Ataxia Gene Panel, SCA Repeat Expansion Panel |
| Sample Type | Peripheral blood (EDTA tube) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 15 days |
| Recommended For | All genders; adults and adolescents with symptoms or a family history of hereditary ataxia |
| Price | Starting at ₹14,400 |
What Is a Spino Cerebral Ataxia (SCA Panel - 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 10 & 12) Test?
The spino cerebral ataxia (SCA panel - 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 10 & 12) test is a specialised genetic test that analyses DNA from a blood sample. It looks for abnormal expansions in specific genes associated with inherited forms of ataxia, a group of neurological disorders affecting coordination and balance. This test is typically ordered by a neurologist when a patient shows symptoms of progressive coordination problems or has a known family history of hereditary ataxia. It is also known as the SCA panel, spinocerebellar ataxia genetic panel, ataxia gene panel, or SCA repeat expansion panel. A small blood sample collected in an EDTA tube is all that is needed.
What Does a Spino Cerebral Ataxia (SCA Panel - 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 10 & 12) Test Measure?
This panel examines seven genes for abnormal DNA repeat expansions. Each gene is linked to a distinct subtype of spinocerebellar ataxia. The table below summarises what each gene controls:
| Gene | SCA Type | What It Involves |
|---|---|---|
| ATXN1 | SCA1 | CAG repeat expansion; linked to ataxin-1 protein production |
| ATXN2 | SCA2 | CAG repeat expansion in the ATXN2 gene |
| ATXN3 | SCA3 | CAG repeat expansion; also called Machado-Joseph disease gene |
| CACNA1A | SCA6 | CAG repeat in a calcium channel gene on chromosome 19 |
| ATXN7 | SCA7 | CAG repeat expansion; associated with vision loss |
| ATXN10 | SCA10 | ATTCT pentanucleotide (five-letter) repeat expansion |
| PPP2R2B | SCA12 | CAG expansion near or within exon 7 of this gene |
Why Is a Spino Cerebral Ataxia (SCA Panel - 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 10 & 12) Test Done?
A doctor may order this test when a patient presents with neurological symptoms that suggest an inherited ataxia disorder, particularly when there is a family history.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms may prompt a doctor to recommend this test:
- Unsteady gait or persistent walking difficulties
- Slurred or slow speech
- Poor hand and limb coordination
- Tremors or involuntary muscle movements
- Muscle stiffness or uncontrolled muscle tensing
- Rapid, involuntary eye movements (nystagmus)
- Double vision
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
This panel can help identify the following conditions:
- Spinocerebellar ataxia subtypes, including SCA1, SCA2, SCA3, SCA6, SCA7, SCA10, and SCA12
- Machado-Joseph disease (SCA3), a progressive disorder affecting movement and coordination
- Inherited neurological conditions passed down through families via autosomal dominant inheritance, meaning one copy of the altered gene is enough to cause the condition
How to Prepare and What to Expect
The spino cerebral ataxia (SCA panel - 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 10 & 12) test procedure is straightforward, requiring only a small blood sample. Here is what you need to know before your appointment.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required before this test. You may eat and drink normally on the day of sample collection. However, if your doctor has ordered additional tests, fasting may be required for those specific tests. Always follow the instructions given by your doctor or the diagnostic centre at the time of booking.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
The following steps will help ensure your appointment goes smoothly:
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and family history, as this is required for the test.
- Carry the contact details of your referring doctor or neurologist before arriving.
- If you have received a blood transfusion or bone marrow transplant recently, inform the laboratory before sample collection, as this may affect results.
- Genetic counselling is strongly recommended before undergoing this test, especially for predictive testing (when you have no symptoms but a family history of SCA).
Step-by-Step Procedure
The sample collection for this test follows these steps:
- You will be seated comfortably, and the phlebotomist will identify a suitable vein, usually on the inner side of your elbow.
- The area will be cleaned with an antiseptic wipe to reduce the risk of infection.
- A small needle is inserted into the vein, and approximately 2 ml of blood is collected into a lavender-top EDTA tube.
- The needle is removed, and light pressure is applied to the site. The process takes only a few minutes and causes minimal discomfort.
- The sample is labelled and stored at 2 to 8°C before being dispatched to the laboratory for analysis using the MLPA method.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
The following factors may reduce the accuracy of results:
- A previous bone marrow transplant from an allogeneic donor
- Recent blood transfusions
- Somatic mosaicism (where different cells in the body carry different genetic information)
- Very large repeat expansions that may be difficult to detect with standard methods and may need additional confirmation
- Mislabelled or improperly stored samples
Understanding Your Spino Cerebral Ataxia (SCA Panel - 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 10 & 12) Test Results
Results from this test report the number of DNA repeats detected in each gene and indicate whether they fall within the normal or pathogenic (disease-causing) range. A qualified doctor and genetic counsellor should always interpret these results in the context of your symptoms and family history. The table below provides general reference ranges:
| SCA Type | Gene | Normal Repeats | Pathogenic (Disease-Causing) Repeats |
|---|---|---|---|
| SCA1 | ATXN1 | 6 to 35 CAG repeats | 39 or more CAG repeats |
| SCA2 | ATXN2 | 32 or fewer CAG repeats | 33 or more CAG repeats |
| SCA3 | ATXN3 | 12 to 44 CAG repeats | 60 to 87 CAG repeats |
| SCA6 | CACNA1A | 18 or fewer CAG repeats | 20 to 33 CAG repeats |
| SCA7 | ATXN7 | 7 to 27 CAG repeats | 36 or more CAG repeats |
| SCA10 | ATXN10 | 9 to 32 ATTCT repeats | Up to 4,500 ATTCT repeats |
| SCA12 | PPP2R2B | 4 to 32 CAG repeats | 51 or more CAG repeats |
A result within the normal range means no pathogenic expansion was detected. An expanded or pathogenic result confirms the presence of a gene mutation associated with a specific SCA subtype. Some results may fall in an intermediate range, which your genetic counsellor will explain in detail.
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.
Results During Special Conditions
Certain medical situations can affect how results are interpreted:
- A prior bone marrow transplant from a donor may produce misleading results, as the transplanted DNA could be detected instead of the patient's own.
- Recent blood transfusions may similarly affect DNA analysis.
- Very large repeat expansions may not be fully detected by standard PCR methods and may require a further test called Southern blot analysis for confirmation.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
As this is a genetic test, the results reflect inherited DNA and cannot be altered. However, the following steps support overall wellbeing after a diagnosis:
- Attend regular follow-up appointments with a neurologist to monitor symptoms over time
- Consider physiotherapy and occupational therapy, which may help maintain physical function and independence
- Pursue genetic counselling after receiving results to understand what they mean for you and your family members
Lupin Diagnostics Spino Cerebral Ataxia (SCA Panel - 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 10 & 12) Test Price and Home Collection
The spino cerebral ataxia (SCA panel - 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 10 & 12) test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹14,400, and home sample collection is available across select cities. The table below shows indicative prices:
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| Mumbai | 14400 |
| Pune | 14400 |
| Bangalore | 14400 |
| Chennai | 14400 |
Disclaimer: Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
Follow these steps for spino cerebral ataxia (SCA panel - 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 10 & 12) test online booking:
- Select the 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 the stipulated turnaround time.
Home Collection
The spino cerebral ataxia (SCA panel - 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 10 & 12) test home collection service is available across multiple cities. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories by experienced specialists. Your digital report is delivered securely via email or WhatsApp once ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Spinocerebellar ataxia refers to a group of more than 40 inherited neurological disorders that affect the cerebellum, the part of the brain responsible for coordinating movement. The condition causes progressive difficulties with balance, coordination, and speech. Symptoms and severity vary depending on the specific type.
This test is usually recommended for people who have progressive coordination problems, an unsteady gait, or speech difficulties, especially when there is a family history suggesting an inherited pattern. A neurologist typically orders the test after ruling out other causes of ataxia.
No fasting is needed. You can eat and drink as usual before your blood sample is collected. Always follow specific instructions provided by your doctor.
At Lupin Diagnostics, the report is typically ready within 15 days. The test results are delivered directly via email or WhatsApp once they are ready.
A positive result means that a pathogenic gene expansion was detected, confirming the genetic basis of your symptoms and identifying the specific SCA subtype. This information helps your neurologist plan further care and allows your family members to consider their own testing options.
This panel covers seven of the most common SCA subtypes (SCA1, SCA2, SCA3, SCA6, SCA7, SCA10, and SCA12). It does not test for all known SCA types. If your result is negative but symptoms persist, your doctor may recommend further genetic testing.
Genetic counselling is strongly recommended, particularly if you have no symptoms but a known family history of SCA (predictive testing). A genetic counsellor helps you understand the implications of a positive or negative result for you and your family before and after testing.
Spino Cerebral Ataxia (SCA Panel - 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 10 & 12) Test
