Priya patelTLDR:
A hospital in Kerala, India, has introduced a new medical technology called Next Generation Sequencer (NGS) that can detect genetic diseases in the womb. The NGS machine can identify a range of genetic conditions, including various cancers, sickle cell anemia, hemophilia, Down syndrome, and Turner syndrome. By analyzing DNA samples from fetuses, particularly those conceived via IVF treatments, the NGS can pinpoint risk factors and genetic irregularities. This technology will allow healthcare providers to implement preventative measures or begin treatment at the earliest stages, mitigating the impact of these conditions post-birth.
In a significant advancement for prenatal care, Sabine Hospital in Kerala is revolutionizing the detection of genetic diseases within the womb through the introduction of the Next Generation Sequencer (NGS). The NGS machine can identify a range of genetic conditions, including various cancers, sickle cell anemia, hemophilia, Down syndrome, and Turner syndrome early on.
By analyzing DNA samples from fetuses, particularly those conceived via IVF treatments, the NGS can pinpoint risk factors and genetic irregularities. This cutting-edge technology will be a cornerstone in the hospital’s commitment to providing accessible and advanced diagnostic services to the public.
The foresight provided by this technology enables healthcare providers to implement preventative measures or begin treatment at the earliest stages so that it mitigates the impact of these conditions post-birth through vigilant testing and monitoring.
This innovative equipment will be installed within Sabine Hospital’s newly inaugurated genetic department, an institution to advance fetal medicine. The department is complemented by the Fetal Medicine department, which is under the expert guidance of Dr. Jitha, who ensures that pregnant women and their unborn children receive the highest standard of care and treatment. Similarly, Dr. Rithu heads the genetic department, focusing on the study and treatment of genetic factors and diseases.
The hospital has also enhanced its facilities with an upgraded Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), boasting a 50-bed capacity and a Level 3 NICU rating. This state-of-the-art NICU is equipped to provide world-class care for newborns, ensuring that they receive the best possible start in life.
Sabine Hospital’s integration of the Next Generation Sequencer marks a pivotal step forward in prenatal and neonatal healthcare, promising a future where genetic diseases can be detected and addressed even before birth.
The Next Generation Sequencing technology allows labs to:
- Rapidly sequence whole genomes
- Deeply sequence target regions
- Utilize RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) to discover novel RNA variants and splice sites, or quantify mRNAs for gene expression analysis
- Analyze epigenetic factors such as genome-wide DNA methylation and DNA-protein interactions
- Sequence cancer samples to study rare somatic variants, tumor subclones, and more
- Study the human microbiome
- Identify novel pathogens
