Frequently Asked Questions2018-09-01T01:25:44+00:00

Frequently Asked Questions

Narcolepsy (HLA-DQB1*06:02) Genotyping

Find out if you are at risk - get tested

Test Type Testing Time Fee
DNA Narcolepsy Test 4 to 6 weeks $195 Click Here to Order Kit

All orders received before 3pm PST / 6pm EST are shipped out the same business day. All orders received after 3pm PST / 6pm EST or on weekends or holidays are shipped out the following business day. 24/7 online status check and account management available for all tests.

Am I at greater risk of developing narcolepsy if I test positive for two copies of the HLA-DQB1*06:02 allele versus one copy?2016-12-20T19:06:52+00:00
Yes, homozygotes (who carry two copies of the HLA-DQB1*06:02 allele) have a 2- to 5-fold increased risk of narcolepsy compared to heterozygotes (who carry only one copy of the HLA-DQB1*06:02 allele).
What are my risks of developing narcolepsy if I test positive for HLA-DQB1*06:02?2016-12-20T19:06:52+00:00
Research has shown that people who carry the HLA-DQB1*06:02 allele have up to a 251-fold increased risk of developing narcolepsy.
What percentage of people with narcolepsy carry the HLA-DQB1*06*02 allele?2016-12-20T19:06:52+00:00
90-99% of people (99% of Caucasians) affected with narcolepsy and cataplexy have the HLA-DQB1*06:02 allele.
If I test positive for HLA-DQB1*06:02, does that mean that I will definitely develop narcolepsy?2016-12-20T19:06:53+00:00
No, not everyone who carries one or more copies of the HLA-DQB1*06:02 allele will suffer from narcolepsy. 15 – 25% of the unaffected worldwide population also carry the HLA-DQB1*06:02 allele.
What is the Narcolepsy Genotyping Test?2016-12-20T19:06:53+00:00
This test identifies the presence or absence of the HLA-DQB1*06:02, which is associated with an increased risk of narcolepsy.
How is narcolepsy diagnosed?2016-12-20T19:06:53+00:00
Comprehensive physical and psychiatric analyses combined with genetic analysis of the HLA-DQB1 gene are required for diagnosis.
If a family member has narcolepsy, am I at an increased risk?2016-12-20T19:06:53+00:00
Yes, family members of an affected individual have a 20- to 40-fold increased risk of narcolepsy.
What is narcolepsy?2016-12-20T19:06:53+00:00
A condition characterized by extreme daytime sleepiness.
How do I receive my results?2016-12-20T19:06:53+00:00
You can choose to receive your results report by mail, email or both. The test includes one copy of the results by mail and one copy by email at no charge. The results report is issued immediately once the testing is completed.
Are my results confidential?2016-12-20T19:06:53+00:00
Yes, your results are 100% confidential. No one will be able to access your account or your results unless you give them your confidential account login. You can change the password to your account at any time. Please remember to safeguard your login information and not share it with anyone.
How long do I have to send the samples back?2016-12-20T19:06:53+00:00
The DNA testing kit does not have an expiry date so you can use the kit at any time. Once the DNA sample is collected, the sample should be returned to the laboratory for testing within 3 months of the collection date. The DNA sample will remain stable for 3 months at room temperature after collection.
Can I have more than one copy of the results?2016-12-20T19:06:53+00:00
If your sample contains intact DNA, then a full DNA profile will be obtained. However, if your sample does not contain DNA or contains degraded DNA, then only a partial profile or no profile at all is obtained. Even if no profile is obtained, the cost still applies for each sample that is submitted.
Is there an age limit?2016-12-20T19:06:54+00:00
No, there is no age limit for Narcolepsy DNA Test testing. The test can be performed on individuals at any age, even newborns. The sample is collected easily and discretely using buccal swabs.
Which countries can you ship to?2016-12-20T19:06:54+00:00
The DNA collection kits can be shipped to any country in the world.
How long will testing take?2016-12-20T19:06:54+00:00
DNA testing begins immediately the day that your samples arrive at the laboratory and is completed within 5 to 7 business days. In some special situations, additional testing may be required, which could increase the turnaround time by a few extra days. You can check the status of your test online 24/7 using your secure account login. Your test report is released immediately once testing is complete.