A Leap Forward in DNA Technology, As NGS Launches In Nigeria
In the last few years, paternity issues have been on the increase. Partly, this is because texts have shown that men who felt they are there were the biological fathers of fathers' children have turned out to be negative.
Some tests which are carried out by the al Conventional Electrophoresis (CE) method have some limitations such as the number of tests that can be carried out at a go the long awaiting waitingr the result of the test and there had been questions as to the authenticity of such tests, as well as having to send specimen outside the country.
To effectively tackle these challenges and more, Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) Technology, a cutting-edge solution that quickly improves the accuracy of DNA testing, is now operational in Nigeria.
Explaining in detail detailing features of the technology, the Chief Executive Officer, and CEO of OncoGenomics Laboratory, Dr Paul Druola, at a news briefing in Lagos, noted that the NGS analyze about 1,000 DNA markers compared to CE’s 15–23 and presents a higher level of accuracy and reliability.
This initiative, which is the first of its kind in Nigeria and West Africa, is led by OncoGenomics Laboratory in collaboration with Karygene and ISN Medical. Beyond paternity disputes, NGS technology has broad applications, including forensic investigations, disaster victim identification, and early cancer detection.
Faduola explained further, “The more markers you analyze, the more accurate the result, but in this case, Traditional methods may exclude biological fathers due to limitations in their marker scope, whereas NGS reduces such errors.”
He said, and I qu,ote, "Though the report stated that Nigeria ranks second globally in reported cases of paternity fraud, Faduola argued that the true scale might be even larger due to outdated testing methods. “Inaccuracies can arise not because the alleged fathers aren’t biological parents but due to the constraints of the testing technology".
For now, the NGS testing is Two hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira (N250,00) client cathe and access services.
Faduola boosts, despite the costs, NGS will save Ni rains, millions spent on sending DNA samples abroad. " We are not just competing on price but on precision. Our goal is to end the reliance on foreign labs and establish Nigeria as a hub for advanced genetic testing,” he added
Speaking on regulation in Nigeria, he pointed out that there is a lack of regulation in Nigeria's testing industry, which has room for questionable practices to continue and emphasised the importance of educating the public about the differences between CE and NGS technologies. “It’s your right to ask what testing method is being used,” he urged, adding that transparency will build trust in local facilities.
Having introduced the new technology, NGS, Faduola believes that a future where Nigeria develops a robust DNA database, similar to those in advanced countries is possible.
“This is not just about solving individual cases but about building a foundation for research, public health, and crime-solving capabilities,. This is just the beginning, " This technology will not only serve individuals but will elevate Nigeria’s standing in global genetic research and diagnostics,” he stated
The Sales Specialist ISN Medical, Olakunle Awojobi, highlighted the significance of the initiative, emphasizing its potential to revolutionize DNA testing in the country. “The story about Nigeria being the number two country in the world for paternity fraud is true, and it’s likely underreported.
He explained further, " NGS technology offers unparalleled accuracy compared to the commonly used CE method, which many labs in Nigeria rely on. It is Nigerians need to cautious their labs are using—NGS or CE—because it makes a critical difference in the results.
Reaffirming the suggestions by Faduola, Awojobi explained that the introduction of NGS technology would not only improve the accuracy of results but also eliminate the need to send samples out of the country. “We are collaborating with facilities across Nigeria to make NGS more accessible.
"Our plan We planlish at least five bases nationwide, ensuring coverage in the northern and southern regions, adding that, it will help facilities maximize their investment, accelerate result turnaround, and strengthen local capacity,” Awojobi said.
Awojobi, who can, who knows the financial situation of some labs, assured them of the economic benefits of partnering with ISN Medical. “ The more samples processed locally, the faster the results and the more cost-effective the process becomes".
" Our aim We amakea network of collection and ttesting testingccentresNGS technology reaches more Nigerians,” he stated.
In the last few years, paternity issues have been on the increase. Partly, this is because texts have shown that men who felt they are there were the biological fathers of fathers' children have turned out to be negative.
Some tests which are carried out by the al Conventional Electrophoresis (CE) method have some limitations such as the number of tests that can be carried out at a go the long awaiting waitingr the result of the test and there had been questions as to the authenticity of such tests, as well as having to send specimen outside the country.
To effectively tackle these challenges and more, Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) Technology, a cutting-edge solution that quickly improves the accuracy of DNA testing, is now operational in Nigeria.
Explaining in detail detailing features of the technology, the Chief Executive Officer, and CEO of OncoGenomics Laboratory, Dr Paul Druola, at a news briefing in Lagos, noted that the NGS analyze about 1,000 DNA markers compared to CE’s 15–23 and presents a higher level of accuracy and reliability.
This initiative, which is the first of its kind in Nigeria and West Africa, is led by OncoGenomics Laboratory in collaboration with Karygene and ISN Medical. Beyond paternity disputes, NGS technology has broad applications, including forensic investigations, disaster victim identification, and early cancer detection.
Faduola explained further, “The more markers you analyze, the more accurate the result, but in this case, Traditional methods may exclude biological fathers due to limitations in their marker scope, whereas NGS reduces such errors.”
He said, and I qu,ote, "Though the report stated that Nigeria ranks second globally in reported cases of paternity fraud, Faduola argued that the true scale might be even larger due to outdated testing methods. “Inaccuracies can arise not because the alleged fathers aren’t biological parents but due to the constraints of the testing technology".
For now, the NGS testing is Two hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira (N250,00) client cathe and access services.
Faduola boosts, despite the costs, NGS will save Ni rains, millions spent on sending DNA samples abroad. " We are not just competing on price but on precision. Our goal is to end the reliance on foreign labs and establish Nigeria as a hub for advanced genetic testing,” he added
Speaking on regulation in Nigeria, he pointed out that there is a lack of regulation in Nigeria's testing industry, which has room for questionable practices to continue and emphasised the importance of educating the public about the differences between CE and NGS technologies. “It’s your right to ask what testing method is being used,” he urged, adding that transparency will build trust in local facilities.
Having introduced the new technology, NGS, Faduola believes that a future where Nigeria develops a robust DNA database, similar to those in advanced countries is possible.
“This is not just about solving individual cases but about building a foundation for research, public health, and crime-solving capabilities,. This is just the beginning, " This technology will not only serve individuals but will elevate Nigeria’s standing in global genetic research and diagnostics,” he stated
The Sales Specialist ISN Medical, Olakunle Awojobi, highlighted the significance of the initiative, emphasizing its potential to revolutionize DNA testing in the country. “The story about Nigeria being the number two country in the world for paternity fraud is true, and it’s likely underreported.
He explained further, " NGS technology offers unparalleled accuracy compared to the commonly used CE method, which many labs in Nigeria rely on. It is Nigerians need to cautious their labs are using—NGS or CE—because it makes a critical difference in the results.
Reaffirming the suggestions by Faduola, Awojobi explained that the introduction of NGS technology would not only improve the accuracy of results but also eliminate the need to send samples out of the country. “We are collaborating with facilities across Nigeria to make NGS more accessible.
"Our plan We planlish at least five bases nationwide, ensuring coverage in the northern and southern regions, adding that, it will help facilities maximize their investment, accelerate result turnaround, and strengthen local capacity,” Awojobi said.
Awojobi, who can, who knows the financial situation of some labs, assured them of the economic benefits of partnering with ISN Medical. “ The more samples processed locally, the faster the results and the more cost-effective the process becomes".
" Our aim We amakea network of collection and ttesting testingccentresNGS technology reaches more Nigerians,” he stated.
Nice one
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