Diagnostics

Metropolis Partners with DNA Diagnostic Centre for DNA Testing in India

To offer accredited and unique genetic tests in the country

Metropolis Healthcare Limited, India's only multinational chain of diagnostic centres, and DNA Diagnostic Centre (DDC), global leader in private DNA testing recently joined hands to introduce DNA testing to the Indian public. This partnership brings forth various DNA testing across categories of paternity, maternity, other family relationship testing, ancestry testing, DNA testing for immigration requirements et al.

In 2008, DDC had handled approximately 70,000 DNA tests for non legal, peace of mind purposes and 10,000 legal DNA tests, world wide. Other Asian countries like China have also experienced a surge in paternity testing. Therefore, in light of new times, paternity, maternity and other family relationship DNA testing can be opted for peace of knowledge. A recent survey by Amity Institute of Behavioural and Allied Sciences in Lucknow shows that nearly half of the 18-24 age group population is into pre-marital relationships. It was also seen that one out of every 1,000 infant transfers in hospitals is a mistake. Currently, India stands as third largest country sending migrants and often needs DNA testing as proof to bring family and kin to other countries, as an immigration requirement. Also for parents employing In Vitro Fertilisation, maternity DNA analysis can ensure that the correct embryo was implanted early on in the pregnancy (from 14 to 22 weeks during pregnancy).

Speaking on the occasion, Ameera Patel, Executive Director- Metropolis Healthcare Limited, said, "Currently, DNA testing in the Indian market is only limited to few cities, lacking quality and accreditation. This partnership shall open doors to reliable, secure, professional DNA testing in India. DNA testing of such sort will help us identify our ancestry, our lineage and value our relationships more dearly. We intend to maximise on the experience and expertise of DDC and the reputation, operations and network of Metropolis, while offering these unique tests nationwide." Previous to the partnership, Metropolis Healthcare was conducting genetics testing only as part of clinical trials.

Dan Leigh, Head of International Business Development & Marketing- DDC, said, "DDC are launching an expansion programme into new markets that show tremendous potential in terms of the services we offer. We bring reliable, professional, accredited DNA testing to all parts of the India through the vast network and infrastructure developed by Metropolis. The testing will be conducted in our laboratory in Ohio, USA and we aim to provide the shortest turnaround time for results in the country."

DNA Diagnostic Centre has introduced special Dual Process, through which all DNA tests are performed twice and achieving test results of unrivalled quality and dependability. As is the case with Metropolis Healthcare, DDC also has all necessary accreditations (ISO/IEC 17025 Certification, AABB, ASCLD/LAB-International, CAP, NYSDOH and CLIA). DDC will also provide personnel training, technical information, scientific and marketing support to Metropolis Healthcare.

EH News Bureau