Yourgene Health and Genetix launch first local non-invasive prenatal testing service in Colombia

Yourgene Health (part of the Novacyt group of companies), a leading international molecular diagnostics group, has installed the first non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) workflow in Colombia at Genetix, a high-tech medical organization specialized in human genetic diagnosis. Genetix introduced its NipTest at a launch event held in Bogotá, Colombia, yesterday evening to raise awareness of this new local NIPT provision among clinicians in the region. The service will utilize Yourgene’s IONA^® Nx NIPT Workflow to deliver fast, accurate NIPT results for expectant parents in Colombia, helping to reduce turnaround times and shipping problems.

Utilizing Yourgene’s IONA Nx NIPT Workflow offers Genetix a complete CE-marked in vitro diagnostic (IVD) device to establish its own quality-assured prenatal screening service in-house. The IONA test has been validated on a highly flexible and scalable workflow, suitable for low- to high-volume sample throughput, enabling the growing clinical laboratory to meet rising demands.

The NIPT is performed using cell-free placental DNA from maternal blood to screen for aneuploidies: trisomy 21 (Down’s syndrome), trisomy 18 (Edwards’ syndrome) or trisomy 13 (Patau’s syndrome), and can also be used to determine the sex of the fetus. The analysis is performed using next-generation sequencing technology, with test results available in three days.

Previously, blood samples collected in Colombia were sent to the USA for testing, delaying turnaround times and increasing costs with additional shipping expenses. By offering access to its NipTest locally, Genetix will help to ensure expectant parents receive reliable results quickly, while reducing the need for invasive tests and the associated stress and anxiety.

We are thrilled to support Genetix by enabling them to deliver an advanced prenatal screening solution locally to the pregnant mothers in Colombia. We look forward to a long and fruitful relationship with their pioneering team.

We are immensely proud, once again, to be contributing to patient care where it is needed. Yourgene is committed to delivering best-in-class NIPT solutions and continues to be a leading player in the global market and a trusted provider.

Lyn Rees, CEO, Yourgene Health

Dr. Claudia Serrano, General and Scientific Director, Genetix, said: “We are excited to offer this non-invasive test for the first time in Colombia and are delighted to have the backing of our esteemed partners, Yourgene Health.

We strive to advance diagnostic services and transform prenatal genetics in our country, and the launch of the NipTest is a testament to this. Yourgene’s quality-assured IONA Nx NIPT Workflow empowers us to deliver fast, accurate and reliable NIPT solutions, helping us to improve the lives of our patients and their families.”