Prenatal Paternity Testing that is 100% Risk-Free and Non Invasive Launched by easyDNA Canada

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International DNA testing company, easyDNA Ltd, announces the launch of a new, non-invasive and 100% risk-free prenatal paternity test in Canada.

Toronto, Canada, December 22, 2011 - (PressReleasePoint) – easyDNA, a leading DNA testing company has announced the launch of its risk-free prenatal paternity test in Canada. This test is based on the analysis of cell-free fetal DNA in the maternal bloodstream using highly advanced SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) microarray technology developed by Gene Security Network (GSN), a privately held genetics company. Apart from being extremely accurate, the prenatal test is also 100% risk-free for the unborn baby and the mother as it is carried out using standard blood samples.


Expanding on the benefits of their prenatal paternity test, Sales and Marketing Director, Mr. Andrew Alexander commented, “Prenatal paternity tests are normally conducted through the use of highly invasive sampling techniques such as amniocenteses or CVS to obtain the sample. With our new test these invasive procedures are no longer necessary. Sampling is done by a simple blood draw that can be performed by any qualified medical personnel. Therefore, sampling is 100% risk-free and it also does not require the involvement of expensive specialists for the sample collection. In terms of the technology, this test is truly groundbreaking and innovative.”

The company also highlighted a number of other benefits of this test, most noticeably the fact that the test can be done as early as just nine weeks of pregnancy, well within the first trimester.  Validation studies conducted by the laboratory have shown no difficulty in obtaining the necessary fetal DNA from the blood sample to complete the test. easyDNA has also noted that being able to carry out the non invasive test at 9 weeks provides an added advantage over alternative prenatal testing methods which require samples to be taken at a later stage in the pregnancy.

The test is greater than 99.9% accurate which is comparable to many  standard paternity tests performed after birth. Data on pre-clinical validation of the test was recently presented at the 23^rd International Symposium of Human Identification in Washington DC.As explained by Zachary Demko, PhD, Director of Research and Development at GSN, “Over 317,000 individual genetic markers known as SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphism) are analyzed using microarray technology. Since these markers vary from person to person, evaluation of such a large number of markers creates a specific genetic blueprint. Through advanced bioinformatics software we compare these blueprints to establish or rule out paternity.”
Asked to elaborate on the difference between standard DNA tests and the prenatal test offered, the Dr. Demko stated “this test differs from traditional STR (short tandem repeat) based tests which measure areas of the genome where the number of copies of the genetic code vary from person to person.  When used on long strands of intact DNA, STR testing is very accurate. However, due to the highly fragmented state of cell-free fetal DNA found in the maternal blood – STR testing becomes ineffective when applied to prenatal paternity testing.”

easyDNA has launched the test in a number of countries and so far the response has been very positive. Commenting further Mr. Alexander stated, “Although we have only recently launched the test in Canada, we already seeing a very positive response to it. It is clear that clients realize the benefits of this test over the traditional methods. We therefore expect the demand to continue increasing as we further expand our marketing efforts and increase awareness of this new non-invasive prenatal paternity test. We do recommend further elucidations from a doctor when doing this DNA test”

The proprietary technology for genetic testing of tiny amounts of child DNA, as small as that from a single cell, is used at over one hundred in-vitro fertilization centers and hospitals around the world and has been published in the journal Human Reproduction. The technology has now been validated on cell free circulating DNA for paternity testing. That data has been submitted to AABB for certification and is also being prepared for submission to a peer reviewed journal.

easyDNA is the exclusive provider in Canada of this 100% risk-free and non-invasive prenatal paternity test.

About easyDNA
easyDNA specializes in the provision of reliable, accurate and confidential DNA tests to both the private and public sector. With presence in over 25 countries, easyDNA is one of the leading international providers of DNA testing services. We offer a wide portfolio of tests including paternity testing, relationship DNA testing, forensic DNA testing, genetic predisposition DNA tests, ancestry testing and gender DNA testing. All testing is performed by an ISO 17025 and AABB accredited laboratory that has performed over 250,000 DNA tests and is highly experienced in the field. Staff at easyDNA have a minimum of seven years experience dealing directly with DNA testing thereby ensuring the highest level of competence. For more information contact the easyDNA office closest to you or call +1 (416) 644 8691
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