LIFELABS
FOUNDATIONS FOR OUR FUTURE
2016
8
“Genetic testing,
like Whole Exome
Sequencing, can
provide answers
where no other
test can.”
Dr. Ron Carter,
Director, Genetics Program
Genetics is transforming healthcare.
Building a healthier Canada means looking
at the future and both influencing and being
ready for it. When it comes to bringing
meaningful, high quality genetic testing to
Canadians through Canadian expertise and
Canadian-based operations, LifeLabs is a
leader. Through the building of partnerships
with innovative researchers and by
leveraging our operational and service
expertise, we are bringing important genetic
tests to Canada which will drive better
health outcomes and value for patients and
our healthcare system.
Through the purchase of the Canadian
business of Centogene, a world leader in
the delivery of genetic testing for rare and
inherited diseases, we will also provide
leading-edge whole exome sequencing
(WES) through our Ontario-based genetics
lab in 2017. This partnership allows
Canadians to benefit from our expertise and
knowledge about our healthcare system,
our professional expertise in genetics, high
quality operations, leading turnaround
time and access to a global database to
diagnose rare conditions.
WES technology looks at all the coding
regions, or approximately 1% of a person’s
genome, and compares the sequence
to a database to detect mutations that
cause health conditions. WES is especially
useful for pediatric patients who are
experiencing delays in development and/
or other rare symptoms, but it is also
helpful in determining causes for unusual
neurological, cardiac, bone and metabolic
disorders, to name a few.
It was this test that provided answers for
a mother desperate for more information
about her son’s autism. After watching her
child struggle for over two years, she had
enrolled him in a medical genetics research
study that might provide more insights into
his diagnosis. Unfortunately, the study was
expected to last two years, and waiting that
long for answers was simply unacceptable
for this concerned parent. Working with
LifeLabs and her physician to complete the
WES test, this mother got the answers she
was looking for and personalized support
from our LifeLabs Genetics Counselors in a
matter of weeks.
We are leveraging the knowledge and
experience of leaders and organizations
across the healthcare system through
effective partnerships to make sure that
together we exceed the needs of our
patients and our healthcare system while
delivering solutions for the future.
Partnering for Better Health Outcomes
LEADING INNOVATION
Innovation is in LifeLabs’ DNA. We are continually pioneering innovative tests, expanding
our genetics programs, forging new relationships and investing in technology to deliver
technologies, tests and health information to our patients and their healthcare providers
when they need it most.
