XSense is the first test for Fragile X Syndrome to be approved by New York to employ a new laboratory analysis technique that bypasses the need to perform the Southern Blot DNA analysis method in 99 percent of cases.

According to Quest, the use of Southern Blot, which can take several days to weeks to perform, has hampered the lab industry's ability to widely provide Fragile X testing. XSense results are reported in about a week for the vast majority of patients.

Charles Strom, medical director for genetic testing center at Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute, said: “New York's approval is significant because it means a new, highly innovative genetic analysis technique for Fragile X has fulfilled state-required quality standards that are widely regarded in the lab industry as highly rigorous.

“Fragile X can be a devastating diagnosis, given the severe disability it causes many patients. While it is highly prevalent, Fragile X is not widely tested for, due in part to technical limitations with conventional tests that our XSense technique largely surmounts.”

Will the approval benefit Quest?

Have your say and discuss with your peers on the InfoGrok community.

Participate by posting your comments now.