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Friday, 22 July 2016 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
In another landmark move by Credence Genomics the pioneering team has partnered with YourGene from Taiwan to deploy NIPT (non-invasive paternity testing) in Sri Lanka. Globally NIPT has been offered as a screening test for high risk pregnant women after the 10th week of pregnancy. Conventionally women who have late pregnancies are at risk of having children with congenital defects especially chromosomal abnormalities. Apart from this, families with raised risk inherited disorders can also use the test as a screening test.
At present most of the mothers in this category have to undergo an amniocentesis or a chorionic villous sampling, both of which are invasive and carry a risk of miscarriage. Hence not only is the test safer it can also be done much earlier in the pregnancy. Dr. Padmapani Padeniya said, “Credence Genomics has created history with the introduction of Non Invasive Prenatal Testing for Sri Lankan pregnant population. This is another first in Sri Lanka by Credence Genomics. Pregnant mothers can now screen their pregnancies for commonly available aneuploidies including Down Syndrome, Patau Syndrome and Edward Syndrome. Since this test is 99% sensitive and does not carry the potential risk of miscarriage, this would be a popular test for all expectant mothers.”
Yourgene based in Taiwan has established its track record in the area of non-invasive paternity testing over the last few years and garnered strong positioning of its representative platform in the South East Asian market. As one of the largest NIPT test provider in the region, Yourgene identified Credence Genomics in Sri Lanka as the perfect partner to offer NIPT and work on further collaborative developments. Yourgene Taiwan MD Keng Hsu said, “It was wonderful to have the opportunity to work with such well reputed partners in Sri Lanka who are well known outside Sri Lanka for their infectious disease detection services. We look forward to providing our services to the highest standard, to Credence Genomic’s client in the region.”
Credence Genomics is Sri Lanka’s only DNA Diagnostics facility using the latest techniques of NGS (Next Generation Sequencing) to diagnose infection, predict cancer and treat cancer with precision medicine. With over 98% accuracy Credence delivers competitively priced DNA diagnostics to assist physicians and consultant specialists use the cutting edge field of genomics.
Credence Genomics also offers genetic counselling and has an expert panel of consultants working in conjunction with its team. Credence’s cutting edge diagnostic products deliver accurate results in half the time in the areas of infection, cancer and precision medicine.
CEO/Director Dr. Vaz Gnanam said, “We are thrilled to be working with the Yourgene team on offering the NIPT test to the Sri Lankan market. Not only would this have a positive impact in terms of a screening test with less risk but it would also have a positive impact for couples who would like an accurate alternative to what is on offer now.”
