Genetic testing is a helpful tool to diagnose genetic conditions by identifying the changes, commonly known as mutations or variants, in the patient’s DNA. Since our DNA is passed down from one generation to the next, it is important for an individual to understand how their condition will affect their way of life and future offspring. Pre- and post-genetic counseling from a trained genetic counselor are required steps when availing a genetic test as they help patients in answering questions pertaining to their conditions.
In the Philippines, genetic testing is usually performed after consultation with a qualified genetic counselor. A genetic counselor will review personal and family history, conduct disease risk assessment, and explain the benefits and risks associated with genetic testing. Once the patient fully understands and agrees to proceed with the test, the genetic counselor will endorse them to a doctor to provide a test prescription. Sample collection will be done at an affiliated local laboratory*. Most genetic tests are currently outsourced to different laboratories abroad. Centogene’s laboratory in Rostock, Germany is one of the service providers that specializes in genetic testing for rare genetic diseases. Once the result is released, post-genetic counseling is performed to discuss and review the medical implications of the genetic test results.
*most patients are endorsed at the Molecular Research and Diagnostic Unit-Service of the Institute of Human Genetics, UP Manila National Institutes of Health
Genetic testing should be considered when:
Genetic testing can confirm the presence of disease-causing mutations in an individual or alleviate unnecessary concerns. It allows people to make informed decisions about lifestyle, reproductive health, and the management and treatment of their condition.
Research on variants of unclear significance is limited, meaning their effects are not yet well understood. This uncertainty can cause anxiety about the future or feelings of guilt and frustration. However, as research in genetics, medicine, and human health continues to advance, the clinical significance of these variants may be confirmed or disproven over time.
In general, genetic testing poses minimal physical risk. Most tests are conducted using whole blood, except in certain prenatal and oncology-related cases. However, genetic testing can also involve emotional, social, and financial risks. It is advisable to discuss all potential risks, benefits, and limitations with your doctor before proceeding with a genetic test.
There are several types of genetic tests. Some involve looking for mutations in specific genes, others involve searching the whole genome. It is important to discuss with your physician which is the most appropriate test for you.
References:
Centogene. (2022). Genetic Testing. https://www.centogene.com/patient/genetic-testing
Centogene. (2022). Cheatsheet for Our Patients: Questions to Ask Your Physician. https://www.centogene.com/fileadmin/patients/downloads/centogene_patients_downloads_cheatsheet_v2.1eng_web_20220509.pdf
Medicover Genetics Editorial Team. (2022). What is a genetic test – benefits, limitations & how to choose the right type. https://medicover-genetics.com/what-is-a-genetic-test-benefits-limitations-how-to-choose-the-right-type/
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2020). Genetic testing. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/genetic-testing/about/pac-20384827
Number of individuals tested in the Philippines
Active physicians in our network
Genes covered in testing portfolio
We only accept test requests ordered by a doctor. Please consult with your doctor for testing recommendations and pre-genetic counseling.
Sample collection is usually arranged and conducted at the requesting physician’s clinic or referred to the Service Arm of Molecular Research and Diagnostic Unit of Institute of Human Genetics at the University of the Philippines Manila – National Institutes of Health. We only facilitate sample pick-up and shipment to Centogene.
| Test |
Accepted Material |
| Whole Genome Sequencing
Whole Exome Sequencing Next-Generation Sequencing Panels Chromosomal Microarray Analysis Single Gene Analysis |
1 full CentoCard filter card (10 complete blood spots), stored and shipped at ambient temperature, kept dry and away from sunlight. – preferred material |
| ≥1 ml EDTA blood, stored and shipped at ambient temperature | |
| Buccal swab (Oragene ORAcollect DX OCR-100 or OCD-100 collection kit) | |
| Saliva (Oragene OG-600/610/675 or OG-500/510/575 collection kit) | |
| Extracted DNA (≥ 1 ug, recommended extraction through Qiagen kits, eluted in water or AE buffer in 20 ul minimum volume, plus evaluation of 260/280 ratio (1.6-2.1) and fluorescent dye quantification of concentration (> 10 ng/ul) before sending. | |
| Multiomic Testing (MOx)
CentoMetabolic MOx, CentoXome Mox, and CentoGenome MOx |
2 full CentoCard filtercards (each with 10 complete blood spots), stored and shipped at ambient temperature, kept dry and away from sunlight. – preferred material |
| 1 full CentoCard filtercard (10 complete blood spots) + 2 ml EDTA blood | |
| Prenatal Testing | Amniotic fluid (minimum of 10 ml placed in a sterile conical tube and safely sealed. Amniotic fluid must be clear and without visible blood contamination. |
| Chorionic villi (minimum of 10 cleaned villi in a minimum of 35 ml of RPMI transport medium with fetal calf serum, container must be safely sealed. Chorionic villi must be clean and white; no maternal material should be present (i.e. no placenta)). | |
| Cord blood (≥1 ml) | |
| Extracted DNA (≥ 1 ug, recommended extraction through Qiagen kits, eluted in water or AE buffer in 20 ul minimum volume, plus evaluation of 260/280 ratio (1.6-2.1) and fluorescent dye quantification of concentration (> 10 ng/ul) before sending. | |
| Additional Material for products of Conception/Pregnancy Loss (POC) | Biopsy material (≥ 20 mg submerged in RPMI transport medium with fetal calf serum, container must be safely sealed). |
| Tissue sample (≥ 20 mg submerged in RPMI transport medium with fetal calf serum, container must be self-sealed). | |
| Maternal Contamination Marker (mother’s sample) | 1 full CentoCard filter card (10 complete blood spots), stored and shipped at ambient temperature, kept dry and away from sunlight. – preferred material |
Test fee includes the genetic analysis, sample shipment, and processing fees (i.e. Bureau of Quarantine Certificate).
Payment may be settled through bank deposit or online bank transfer through any of our company’s bank accounts. Payment through credit card is currently unavailable.
The turnaround time varies depending on the type of test and includes shipping time from the Philippines to Germany, which typically takes around 5-7 days.
|
Test |
Estimated Turnaround time* |
| Whole Genome Sequencing |
5-6 weeks |
| Whole Exome Sequencing |
7-8 weeks |
| NGS Panels |
6-7 weeks |
| Chromosomal Microarray |
4-5 weeks |
| Single Gene Testing (Sanger Sequencing, qPCR, MLPA, repeat expansion analysis, targeted carrier testing) |
4-5 weeks |
| Enzyme/Biomarker analysis |
3 weeks |
*Please note that these are only estimates, as additional confirmatory analysis may be performed in some cases, thereby lengthening the turnaround time.
Test results are directly sent to the requesting physician. Please contact your doctor for post-genetic counseling.
We can send CentoCards to your location; however, please note that we do not facilitate sample collection. We can provide instructions to your requesting physician on how to collect and prepare the sample. CentoCards must be kept dry and away from sunlight, shipped at room temperature and sent to our office address (see contact information below). Once we receive the sample, we will then facilitate the shipment to Centogene.
Bea Angela Acosta
bea_acosta@acerogroup.org
Rae Anne Añonuevo
rae_anonuevo@acerogroup.org
Jessica Biwang
jessica_biwang@acerogroup.org
Molave Trading Inc.
891 EDSA Brgy. South Triangle Diliman, Quezon City 1103
(+632) 8660-5253 to 54, 8924-2225, (+63) 917-8565858, (+63) 923-737021
DATA PROTECTION POLICY
We care about the confidentiality of your personal data. Centogene and Molave Trading Inc. respect your data protection rights and comply with all applicable laws and regulations regarding data protection and data privacy. Both companies are governed by the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Philippine Republic Act 10173 also known as the Data Privacy Act of 2012, respectively.
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