The world of medicine is experiencing a mind-boggling revolution with the advancement of genetic testing for preventive medicine. Available for the last a decade, genetic testing is proving to be a key component in foretelling and preventing the onset of the cruellest diseases. A swab of your gene-saturated saliva can cost anything from 470 USD for three panels of genes and 2,280 USD for the whole shebang to be tested.
Genetic testing involves examining a person’s DNA – which can be taken from cells in a blood sample or from bodily fluids including saliva – for some anomaly that flags a disease or disorder. “In other words, DNA is analysed for specific snips or single nucleotide polymorphisms. It is like looking into a one-molecule alteration in a specific gene to determine if a person has a genetic condition or disease or is likely to get the disease” says Roula Nosseir, manager of GENO-MED the exclusive Middle East representative of Austrian genetics research lab Genosense Diagnostic.
There are several tests to choose from and that have been developed for specific reasons. For instance, couples with a history of recessive genetic disorders and looking to have children can take the Carrier Identification test which zeros-in on possible dangers to their offspring. More of the same, Prenatal testing can also detect changes in the foetus’ genes or chromosomes prior to birth. Adults can also ask for the Late-Onset Disorder test that may indicate a predisposition to such illnesses as cancer and heart ailments, “These diseases, for example, diabetes, are called complex because there is more than one gene involved. [They] have both genetic and environmental causes” explains Nosseir. While most of the tests require a prescription, the nutrition-focused 750 USD NutriSensor package explores your metabolism, detoxification and inflammation systems giving you a list of elements to include or avoid in your diet, allowing you to aim for a cleaner bill of health with help of in-house dieticians and nutritionists.
Tests conducted at GENO-MED are sent to Austria and what you get is a run-down of the findings including a combination of the genetic test results, as well as scientific and clinical interpretations of the outcome. Demand is proving to be high. Though only recently open in Beirut, the laboratory coordinates with the Dr. Bakhsh Hospitals Group in KSA and the Anti-Aging Skin Clinic in Qatar. Follow-up programmes ensure the likelihood of prevention success.
The effects of this technology are life-altering because by knowing your genetic make-up you can adjust certain features in your life to reduce or sometimes even eradicate the risks of developing certain complex diseases. It’s a sad truth of life that the occurrence of a disease cannot be restricted. However, once the risks are known, you can do something about it.
Contacts
GENO-MED
Beirut, Lebanon
Tel +961 4 721781
HYPERLINK "http://www.geno-med.com" www.geno-med.com
Dr. Bakhsh Hospitals Group
Jeddah, KSA
Tel +966 2 6577205
Anti-Aging Skin Care Clinic
Doha, Qatar
Tel +974 4 8671291
