CariGenetics Precision Diagnostics Launches
Dr. Carika Weldon announced the launch of the island’s first clinical genetics lab, CariGenetics Precision Diagnostics, at the Docs for Dinner event, advancing local and Caribbean genetic testing.
A spokesperson said, “Dr Carika Weldon, Founder and CEO of CariGenetics, made a groundbreaking announcement at the prestigious Docs for Dinner event; the official launch of CariGenetics Precision Diagnostics, the island’s first clinical genetics laboratory servicing Bermuda and the wider Caribbean.
“CariGenetics Precision Diagnostics will provide diagnostic services using genetic testing ushering in the era of precision medicine in Bermuda. This specialised laboratory will initially offer [i] hereditary cancer tests so individuals can know their risk of inherited cancer, [ii] molecular pathology to guide oncologists to use targeted cancer therapies unique to each patient, [iii] EarlyInsights, a non-invasive prenatal test for mothers to safely know the health of their baby at 10 weeks, [iv] Meds4You, a pharmacogenetics test so individuals can know how their genes affect their response to medications and [v] MyRiskScore, a polygenic risk score test to assess the 5-year and lifetime risk of 15 diseases based on an individual’s ancestry.”
Dr Weldon shared, “With the establishment of CariGenetics Precision Diagnostics, we are expanding on our commitment to bringing state-of-the-art genetics technology to Bermuda but also empowering the wider Caribbean with a local clinical genetics solution. We can now provide results faster, more cost-effectively, and with a level of data security that was previously unattainable in our region. We have already received hereditary cancer samples from our sister islands as we instantly widened access to testing for those who need it.”
The spokesperson said, “The new local laboratory is registered with the Bermuda Health Council as of last month which ensures services are covered by insurance. By performing tests locally this removes the need to send cancer genetics samples overseas from Bermuda, bringing instant efficiency to the healthcare system.
“Genetic testing referrals will be accepted from GPs and specialists for insurance reimbursement. Self-referrals from individuals who want to pay out of pocket will also be accepted. All testing will be overseen by an expert multi-disciplinary team [MDT] including laboratory geneticists, a clinical geneticist, a genetic counsellor, a medical technologist and clinical oncologist. The MDT will also review results before official reporting. Reported genetic results will be delivered by a genetic counsellor, ensuring Bermuda meets global standards of care in genetic testing practices. Partnering with University of Washington’s CLIA approved clinical genetics laboratory, which also uses Oxford Nanopore Technologies long-read sequencing, adds extra expertise to ensure any results that need a second opinion can be obtained quickly.”
The Dinner for Docs attendees thoroughly enjoyed the presentation which launched the new laboratory, leaving raving remarks to event organisers. Dr Nathaniel Christopher, Chiropractor at Spine & Sport Bermuda shared, “Dr. Weldon was thorough, personable and clearly cares deeply about how genetic testing can benefit the people of the Caribbean. I can safely say that now there’s one more person who feels the same. Great presentation and even more impressive work.”
The spokesperson said, “The lab has already started receiving samples from Antigua and has established partnerships in Saint Lucia and Jamaica, providing critical genetics services throughout the Caribbean. In addition to genetic testing, the new lab will also perform other routine diagnostics tests normally sent abroad such as allergy testing.
“CariGenetics Precision Diagnostics will also work closely with its affiliated company, CariGenetics, to clinically confirm positive DNA results found during its clinical research studies to report back to participants. Previously, CariGenetics could find positive results but had to send abroad for confirmation before a genetic counsellor could relay the result to participants. With the launch of CariGenetics Precision Diagnostics, this not only reduces the timeline for results to be returned, but also keeps the samples completely local.
“CariGenetics invites members of the medical community and the public to tour the new facilities during its future official ribbon-cutting ceremony. If you’re interested in attending, please RSVP by clicking here. Further details will be provided closer to the event to those who RSVP.
“For more information about CariGenetics Precision Diagnostics and its services, please email precisiondx@carigenetics.com.”
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Thanks to Dr Canika Weldon – a ‘hometown girl’ – for moving home to Bermuda – and for the many medical services she continues to introduce to Bermuda.