Genetic testing is a type of medical test that identifies changes in genes, chromosomes, or proteins. The results of a genetic test can confirm or rule out a suspected genetic condition or help determine a person’s chance of developing or passing on a genetic disorder.
Genetic And Testing Services In South Africa
easyDNA South Africa
Phone: 080 099 9239
South Africa is a developing middle-income country with a population of over 49 million people. It has a health system, based on national, provincial and private health programmes, which is in transition. There are well-organized but small genetic services, based mostly in academic centres, provincial health departments and the National Health Laboratory Service.
Trained medical geneticists, genetic counselors and medical scientists are available to deliver the service. Funding for this service is limited, due partly to the extensive demands made by the rampant HIV/AIDS epidemic (which has lead to a falling life expectancy and increasing maternal, child and infant mortality rates) and partly due to some ignorance, among both health professionals and the public, concerning the benefits of genetic counselling and testing in affected families.
There are four academic human genetics departments across the country providing counselling (7,313 cases were counselled in 2008), testing services (16,073 genetic tests were performed in 2008) and professional training. They also undertake research. Only one-tenth of the required staff, according to the WHO recommendations, is available at present to provide these services, and further employment opportunities are urgently required.
However, training of professionals continues, comprehensive genetic testing facilities are available, research on many of the genetic conditions of specific concern to the country has been and is being undertaken, and patients from all over Southern and Central Africa make use of these services.
GENETIC TESTING
SGS’s genetic testing – including ELISA testing (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) – helps you to determine the quality of your seeds and to ensure compliance with the appropriate national and international regulations. This builds market confidence and reduces your operating risks.
Our network of laboratories delivers the resources and expertise of a global player at both the local and international level. To help you succeed in today’s complex trading environment, we conduct a variety of genetic tests on different seed types:
ADVENTITIOUS PRESENCE (AP) TESTING
Our AP test determines the existence of transgenic events in alfalfa, canola, corn, cotton, rice, soybean and sugar beet. This is vital if you supply or market grain and seeds on the basis that they feature no genetically modified organisms (GMOs), or low levels of GMO.
ENZYME LINKED IMMUNOSORBANT ASSAY (ELISA) TESTING
This test detects and quantifies a specific protein that has been captured by an antibody. For example, we conduct tests for Bt corn (a specific kind of GMO) to ensure you are meeting trait licensing requirements. This helps to protect your crop – and profits – from attack.
ELECTROPHORESIS – ISOELECTRIC FOCUSING (IEF) AND ISOZYME TESTING
To test for genetic purity, we use the isozyme method for corn and IEF for alfalfa, oats, rice and wheat.
We perform inbred and hybrid purity testing – as a quality assurance test to evaluate true-types, off-types and self levels – and hybrid verification.
HERBICIDE TRAIT TEST
We conduct this test for the following seeds and products:
- Alfalfa – Roundup Ready®
- Canola – Roundup Ready® / LibertyLink® / Clearfield®
- Maize – Roundup Ready® / LibertyLink® / Clearfield®
- Rice – Clearfield®
- Soybean – Roundup Ready® / LibertyLink® / STS®
HERBICIDE TOLERANCE TEST
We conduct this test for the following products:
- Liberty® – a fast-acting broad-spectrum grass and broadleaf weed control
- Roundup Ready® – a systemic, broad-spectrum herbicide
DNA AND PCR SERVICES
We offer a range of GMO detection services based upon deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test that identifies GMOs to levels as low as 0.01%.
TRAIT TESTING
We perform the following trait tests:
- ELISA
- Specialized Testing – Breeder
- Quantitative Cry1Ab Cry1f
VARIETAL PURITY TEST (HILUM EXAMINATION)
We conduct varietal purity tests (also known as hilum examinations, referring to the part of the seed that was attached to the fruit) on samples of 100g. We can complete the test within two days.
WAXY CORN PURITIES
We conduct waxy corn purities on samples of 800 seeds, based on submissions of at least 250g.
Contact SGS now to find out how our genetic tests can help to ensure regulatory compliance, build market confidence and reduce your operating risks.
How much does genetic testing cost in South Africa?
The Cost of Genetic Testing in South Africa
The cost of genetic services in South Africa depends on the specific type of test requested. According to available figures, the cost varies between R1 500 and R13 400 per test, depending on the type of genetic test requested.
How much does it cost to get your genetics tested in South Africa ?
The cost of genetic testing can range from under R 1529.65 to more than R 30593.08, depending on the nature and complexity of the test. The cost increases if more than one test is necessary or if multiple family members must be tested to obtain a meaningful result. For newborn screening, costs vary by state.
What type of service is genetic testing in South Africa ?
Genetic testing is a type of medical test that identifies changes in genes, chromosomes, or proteins. The results of a genetic test can confirm or rule out a suspected genetic condition or help determine a person’s chance of developing or passing on a genetic disorder.
What are the four types of genetic testing in South Africa ?
Different types of genetic testing are done for different reasons:
Diagnostic testing.
Presymptomatic and predictive testing.
Carrier testing.
Pharmacogenetics.
Prenatal testing.
Newborn screening.
Preimplantation testing.
Is genetic testing a good idea in South Africa ?
Genetic testing is useful in many areas of medicine and can change the medical care you or your family member receives. For example, genetic testing can provide a diagnosis for a genetic condition such as Fragile X or information about your risk to develop cancer. There are many different kinds of genetic tests.