KU Leuven collaborates on a new test for blood disorders
Professors in Leuven have collaborated in the development of a new test which makes it quicker and cheaper to genetically diagnose blood disorders, heralding a significant step forward in the treatment of these patients.
Thanks to the new test, it will now be possible to screen 63 genes from around 24 patients simultaneously. Additionally, the waiting time for a diagnosis will now be 6 to 8 weeks.
According to Professor Kathleen Freson from the KU Leuven, to make a diagnosis previously the gene for haemophilia was first examined. If that did not show any result, the next gene for another blood disorder would then be tested. Given that 63 genes for genetic blood disorders are known at the present time, costs could run high and it sometimes took longer than a year before a diagnosis was confirmed.
In order to develop the new test, professors from the KU Leuven and UZ Leuven set up an international research project with colleagues from Cambridge University and University College London.
It is estimated that 3 million people worldwide suffer from a genetic blood or clotting disorder. Small modifications in the DNA cause these disorders. Haemophilia is the most well-known example.