Genotype tests not strong determinant for health status – Laboratory scientists

Medical laboratory scientists have cautioned health experts against using only genotype tests to determine the health status of patients, noting that it has a high tendency to present false results.

They bemoaned the fact that over-reliance on genotype testing has caused a lot of hazards in the medical laboratory sector in Nigeria.

They spoke during the 2023 Workshop of the Initiative for Medical Diagnostic Awareness programme held at the Multipurpose Laboratory of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, with the theme: ‘Haemoglobinopathy: Diagnosis and Misdiagnosis’.

The laboratory scientists said counselling of intending couples should be done with caution based on genotype test results.

They stressed that additional tests like Hemoglobin Quantification, High-Performance Liquid Chromatography/ IsoElectric Focusing and Molecular Techniques should be done.

Haemoglobinopathies are a group of recessively inherited genetic conditions affecting the haemoglobin component of blood.

The experts fingered technical error, restricted access to suitable diagnostic instruments, a lack of understanding to interpret data, and a failure to order and acquire the required laboratory test as being responsible for mistakes made while carrying out genotype tests.

Some of these tests should be employed in addition to genotype tests for accuracy and precision.

“The tests are peripheral blood film evaluation, high-performance liquid chromatography/isoelectric focusing, haemoglobin solubility test, haemoglobin quantification, whole blood count with emphasis on the red indices, and molecular techniques,” they advised.

Over 50 participants including Dr. Margret Ibikunle of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, and Chief Augustine Ebisi, the Eze Ndigbo of Ojodu kingdom, were present at the event.

The Workshop keynote address was delivered by a renowned Professor of Haematology, at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital in Idi Araba, Lagos.Prof. Alani Sulaimon Akanmu.

While the sub-theme speaker, Mrs. Florence Adefolaju spoke on ‘Parental Dispute Resolution’, Barrister Marcus Daudu made a presentation on the topic, ‘Medico-legal Burden of Misdiagnosis’.

The topic, ‘Limitations of Automated Haematology Machines’ was delivered by the former President of the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria, Dr. Toyosi Yekeen Raheem,.

A Deputy Director of Laboratory Services at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, idi Araba Lagos, Mrs. Ayoola Oremosu presented a paper titled ‘Prenatal Diagnosis of Haemoglobinopathies’.

This was even as an Associate Professor in the Department of Medical Laboratory Science of Lagos University Teaching Hospital idi Araba, Lagos, Dr. Ekun Oloruntoba, spoke on ‘Machines and Films Readings.

The Special Guest of Honour, Professor Adedoyin Owolabi Dosumu, was the Head, Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja.

While welcoming guests, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of IMDA, Professor Kolawole Oyedeji, welcomed the participants and informed them that the workshop was purely practical and conceived to broaden their knowledge.