Kathmandu, Nov 24: For the first time in Nepal, three new genetic tests have been introduced to identify hereditary causes of rheumatic diseases. NexGen Lab Solution has launched three types of genetic tests to detect different forms of rheumatic conditions.
According to Naresh Pandey, Managing Director, the company has introduced three types of tests – HLA-DR4, HLA-B51, and HLA-B27 – to identify rheumatic disorders. He stated that these methods make it possible to diagnose rheumatic diseases at an early stage, which makes treatment easier for patients. Early diagnosis through these tests may help patients avoid taking long-term medication, Pandey added.
Until now, samples for these three tests had to be sent abroad for testing. HLA-DR4 tests had to be sent to the United States, while HLA-B51 and HLA-B27 tests were sent to India. Rheumatologist Dr. Sudhir Karmacharya of the Bath Disease Center said that having these three diagnostic tests available within Nepal will make patient treatment more convenient. Now that the tests can be done domestically, the hassle of sending samples abroad has been eliminated.
According to Dr. Karmacharya, around 28 percent of Nepal’s total population suffers from some form of rheumatic disease, with many affected by conditions such as arthritis and high uric acid. However, only about 10 percent of patients receive treatment on time.
Dr. Karmacharya further explained that if rheumatic disease is detected early, a few months of medication can cure the condition. But if the disease progresses, patients may need lifelong medication to keep it under control. #nepal #lab #rheumatic
