FAQ

The cost of genetic testing depends on which disease you want to research. See the list of tests / studies in the Test menu or contact us in person.

To avoid unnecessary procedures, save time and finances, first consult a doctor-geneticist (contact us in person for a consultation).

The National Laboratory of Genetics was opened in 2017 and is the first molecular diagnostics laboratory in Georgia. Our highly qualified team, with the state-of-the-art laboratory bio-technologies lets you diagnose complex genetic diseases on the ground in Tbilisi.

Our laboratory meets the stringent requirements of the German TÜV SÜD, which is confirmed by the Munich Office Lab certification. Our tests and processes are CE-IVD certified. The laboratory has successfully passed ISO 9001: 2015 certification. At the same time, ISO 27000 and ISO 17025 are introduced. The National Genetics Laboratory is in the process of American CAP accreditation paper submission.

The IONA® test is a non-invasive prenatal test (NIPT) for pregnant women which estimates the risk of a fetus having Down’s syndrome or some other serious genetic diseases. The IONA® test is an advanced screening test that is carried out on a small maternal blood sample. Pregnant women can expect test results from their healthcare provider within approximately 3-5 days from sample receipt. 

The IONA® test estimates the risk of a fetus having Down’s syndrome (Trisomy 21), Edwards’ syndrome (Trisomy 18) and Patau’s syndrome (Trisomy 13). Trisomies occur when three, instead of the usual two, copies of a chromosome are present. Edwards’ and Patau’s syndromes are much rarer than Down’s but are very serious and many affected babies do not survive. The IONA® test also offers optional fetal sex determination.

What are the advantages of the IONA® test? Safe: non-invasive with no risk of miscarriage. Fast: the IONA® test is the fastest NIPT available with results provided within 3-5 working days, from sample receipt. Accurate: greater than 99% for detection of trisomy conditions. Fetal sex determination is greater than 97% accurate. Simple: uses a simple maternal blood sample. Local: unlike other NIPT’s, the IONA® test is performed in a laboratory local to you. So your blood sample is not shipped to the US or China. Quality: unlike other NIPT’s, the IONA® test is a regulated diagnostic, which is CE marked. How does it work? During pregnancy the placenta leaks cell-free DNA which circulates in the maternal bloodstream. As a result, a maternal blood sample contains a mixture of fetal and maternal circulating DNA. The IONA® test directly measures the amount of this cell-free DNA and can detect small changes in the DNA ratio between the maternal and cell-free DNA when a fetal trisomy 21, 18 or 13 is present.

Why is IONA® better than the current combined test?

Traditional screening offered during pregnancy is currently called the combined test. This is an ultrasound scan to measure the nuchal translucency (NT) and a blood test. This is much less accurate than NIPT and it only detects around 85% of babies with Down’s syndrome. The IONA® test has a higher detection rate than the current combined test offered to pregnant women. This means that fewer pregnant women will undergo unnecessary invasive follow-up procedures such as amniocentesis or CVS* which are stressful, painful and can carry a small risk of miscarriage

You can buy the test "Iona" very easily and comfortably online. You need to register on our website (www.nlg.ge) in the section "Order Test Iona".You can indicate the time and place where you would like to have your blood tested. You can request to have your blood sample taken at any clinic we recommend, as well as at your home address.

You do not need to come to the lab to use our services. You can easily call or email us, after which you will be directed to our clinic for delivery of biological material at a pre-agreed time. Your biological material will be shipped to us and tested.

Recommended institutions can be found on our website.

Yes, it is possible. We have partner clinics in different cities where you can use our services. Contact us in person for information on the desired city.

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If you have a complaint, please feel free to email us at info@nlg.ge and request a complaint form. Once completed and received, internal procedures as required by the standard will commence. Your complaint will be followed by a timely response to your complaint within the specified timeframe.

In order to schedule a meeting, you first need to fill out a form of cooperation request.