WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Gateway Genomics, a San Diego based biotech company that specializes in molecular diagnostics and genetic testing featured its recent breakthrough technology at the 19th annual Conference of the International Society for Prenatal Diagnosis where it unveiled the blueprint for the next trend in consumer genetics, fast and affordable at-home genetic testing.
Since its inception over three decades ago, blood-based genetic testing has required collection of a large amount of venous blood via needle insertion, traditionally performed by a licensed phlebotomist at a doctor’s office or a lab. This serves as a roadblock for all blood-based at-home genetic tests. Researchers from Gateway Genomics presented a new study of their technology proving that it is possible to isolate and analyze DNA from only a few drops of capillary blood obtained via lancet finger stick, a collection method that can easily be performed at home. In a specific application of Gateway’s technology, the study focused on the limitations of current non-invasive prenatal diagnostics, which requires maternal venous blood collection. Gateway’s researchers discovered a new source of cell-free fetal DNA, maternal capillary blood, and demonstrated its utility for non-invasive prenatal diagnosis. This breakthrough technology has the potential to eliminate the need for a blood draw at a lab and allow consumers to collect blood samples in the privacy of their home.
The ability to accurately detect and analyze fetal DNA in maternal capillary blood represents a significant paradigm shift in the way researchers will approach DNA-based prenatal diagnostics. The technology’s promise applies equally to the fields of infectious disease and cancer diagnosis. The implications of this research and the potential of Gateway’s technology for multiple applications are disruptive to the current multistep method of genetic testing which is both expensive and inaccessible to most people. These findings pave the way for a new blueprint in genetic testing that will provide faster, more affordable at-home testing accessible to the general population.
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Gateway Genomics’ laboratory services and genetic tests are being developed to provide faster and more affordable at-home genetic tests to the general population.
