Genetic testing identifies changes in genes, chromosomes or proteins. Molecular diagnostics involves analysing DNA or RNA from cells. The field is rapidly evolving with new highly complex tests and technologies being integrated into clinical practice. The goal is to achieve precision medicine.
Molecular diagnostics has a key role in disease detection, monitoring, diagnosis and prognostication thus guiding treatment decisions. The detection of tumour or tissue specific mutations and expression markers can be utilised for diagnosing tumours and tailoring therapy to personalise treatment.
PathCare Kenya offers an extensive menu of molecular and genetic tests. We ensure quality results for these highly specialised tests by working with accredited reference laboratories, in particular, PathCare South Africa
- Chromosomal testing: karyotyping, FISH or microarray to identify inherited conditions and acquired genetic changes
- Detection of specific molecular mutations in tumours which allows for targeted therapy: e.g. BCR-ABL in chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (CML)
- Detection of molecular lesions for diagnostic, carrier, predictive or prenatal testing for single-gene disorders such as cystic fibrosis or hereditary breast (BRCA1 and BRCA2) and ovarian cancer that predict for disease
- NGS (Next Generation Sequencing) refers to DNA sequencing technology that allows for querying the genome
- Mutational profiling of tumours for prognostication and to identify therapeutic targets
- Identification of microorganisms which are difficult to culture Antenatal screening:
- NIPT (non-invasive prenatal testing) – genetic test of fetal DNA found in maternal blood
- Genetic analysis of amniotic fluid
- HLA tissue typing
- Paternity testing
- Sensitive PCR (Polymerase chain reaction) tests to detect and quantify microorganisms (bacteria, virus, fungi)
- Specific microorganism detection: HIV, HPV, TB
- Viral levels: HIV viral loads, Hepatitis B viral loads
- Drug resistance
The list is an example of tests, please do not hesitate to contact Pathcare Kenya to enquire about availability of any specific test.
