Neuberg Discusses Effective Implementation of Genetics in Endocrinology

Neuberg Diagnostics Private Limited, a StartUp in the PathLab chain segment organized a webinar talk by Dr.Udhaya Kotecha, MD Pediatrics, Fellowship in Medical Genetics. Dr. Udhaya Kotecha spoke about “Genetics in Endocrinology”.

The webinar was organized on request by Dr Rahul Reddy, a well known practicing pediatric endocrinologist in Hyderabad. The webinar was a part of a continuing medical education process, wherein the focus was to discuss available genetic testing in pediatric endocrinology, their applications, utility, differences and limitations. 

Within pediatric endocrinology, a genetic basis is suspected in patients in many scenarios. A few examples include Neonatal Diabetes Mellitus (NDM) especially when diagnosed with the same before 6 months of age, Maturity Onset Diabetes of Young (MODY), ambiguous genitalia and other disorders of sex development, short stature (especially if not attributable to familial traits), childhood obesity, congenital hypothyroidism, lipid metabolism defects etc. Traditionally available biochemical testing helps categorize these disorders into a particular subgroup, but genetic testing is required to define the underlying genetic basis. Detected genetic variations serve to guide treatment decisions (K_ATP channel genes and sulfonylurea for treatment) as well as predict and monitor treatment response (Growth Hormone and PTPN11 mutations). Genetic disorders are associated with a risk of recurrence and hence prenatal testing is often desired. This is possible only when the underlying disorder has been genetically characterized. This also allows testing other related "at-risk" family members.

Dr. Udhaya Kotecha said, “Genetic testing has forayed into pediatric endocrinology practice as multiple endocrine conditions are attributed to gene defects. While biochemical testing forms the first line test, an abnormality in the same raises suspicion but does not lead to a definitive diagnosis. With the advent of modern Next Generation Sequencing technology, testing multiple genes (which may be responsible for a particular clinical symptom) has become easier thus increasing the chances of a diagnosis. A definitive genetic diagnosis is the first step towards precision medicine."

Speaking on the occasion, Aishwarya Vasudevan, COO of Neuberg Diagnostics said, “The impact genetic diagnostics can have on the health of an individual, as well as the population is tremendous. We aim to spread awareness on the subject to both patient and clinician via such virtual seminars. The talk given by Dr. Udhaya, enlighten us on the most recent developments in the field of genetic testing. I hope this has empowered the treating endocrinologist to select the most appropriate test, which will aid them in treating their patient more effectively."

Dr. Udhaya Kotecha, is quite well known in the medical field and among other medical experts in the country. She has acquired a vast experience of over 14 years in the area of diagnosis and management of various common as well as rare genetic conditions. She serves as a Consultant in the Genetic department of many hospitals. 

About Neuberg Diagnostics

The best-in-class laboratories from across India, UAE & South Africa have united under the banner of Neuberg Diagnostics to bring the latest technology and techniques within the reach of developing countries. Utilizing their combined strengths, the Neuberg alliance brings capabilities to perform over 6000 varieties of Pathological investigations and will promote Prevention & Early Diagnosis, Focused Wellness Programs and Structured Disease Management programs for Chronic and Lifestyle Conditions using the most advanced technologies assisted by Data science and AI tools. Today, Neuberg Diagnostics is among the top diagnostics companies of Indian origin and the fastest growing healthcare start-up in India. The founding members of the Neuberg consortium - Anand Diagnostic Laboratory (Bangalore), Supratech Micropath (Ahmedabad), Ehrlich Laboratory (Chennai), Global Labs (South Africa), and Minerva Diagnostics (Dubai) bring their combined heritage of over 200 years and process over 20 million samples annually. Some of the best Pathologists, Biochemists, Geneticists, Microbiologists and several other Clinical Lab Professionals from around the world are working closely, sharing knowledge and using the latest generation of diagnostics techniques to take accurate and timely diagnosis to the next level.

PathLab Startup Neuberg Offers Blood Donor Eligibility Self-Assessment on its Website

Neuberg Diagnostics Private Limited, a StartUp in the PathLab chain segment today announced the launch of an online assessment test to measure the eligibility to be a blood donor on its website in support of the World Blood Door Day, wherein one needs to answer a few questions to know whether he/she is eligible to donate blood to someone in need. This self- assessment scan has been developed as per the guidelines laid down by the standardized blood banks.  

Speaking on the occasion, Ms.Aishwarya Vasudevan, Group COO, Neuberg Diagnostics Private Limited said, “Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, there are still needs for blood donations and might include your loved ones as well. Basically, four types of transfusable products can be derived from blood : red blood cells, platelets, plasma and cryoprecipitate and two or three of these can be produced from a unit of donated whole blood which can help save up to three lives. This assessment test will get give a clearer idea on eligibility to donate blood, even if they are not in doubt". 

The self-assessment test may be taken at https://neubergdiagnostics.com/blood-donation/index.html. All one needs to do is feed in her / his age and gender; and answer few questions pertaining to age, health condition, recent international travel, recent domestic travel, contact with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 case, symptoms experience, medical history and medications taken.

Basis the self-assessment, one may decide if she / he needs to get in touch with a doctor.

Neuberg offers a free walk-in Hb test for all the customers who do the assessment.  

About Neuberg Diagnostics 

The best-in-class laboratories from across India, UAE & South Africa have united under the banner of Neuberg Diagnostics to bring the latest technology and techniques within the reach of developing countries. Utilizing their combined strengths, the Neuberg alliance brings capabilities to perform over 6000 varieties of Pathological investigations and will promote Prevention & Early Diagnosis, Focused Wellness Programs and Structured Disease Management programs for rare diseases using the most advanced technologies assisted by Data science and AI tools. Today, Neuberg Diagnostics is among the top diagnostics companies of Indian origin and the fastest growing healthcare start-up in India. The founding members of the Neuberg consortium - Anand Diagnostic Laboratory (Bangalore), Supratech Micropath (Ahmedabad), Ehrlich Laboratory (Chennai), Global Labs (South Africa), and Minerva Diagnostics (Dubai) bring their combined heritage of over 200 years and process over 20 million tests annually. Some of the best Pathologists, Biochemists, Geneticists, Microbiologists and several other Clinical Lab Professionals from around the world are working closely, sharing knowledge and using the latest generation of diagnostics techniques to take accurate and timely diagnosis to the next level.

Managing Kidney Health During Covid-19

As part of its Patient Education Programme (PEP) and respecting the lockdown and the social distancing norms set by the Government of India to combat the rapid spread of COVID-19, Neuberg Diagnostics Private Limited, a StartUp in the PathLab chain segment, today organised Patient Education Program in the form of a Webinar. The Webinar was addressed by Dr. Girish N. S., Head of Nephrology Department, Columbia Asia Hospitals (Hebbal). Dr. Girish spoke about managing kidney health during these COVID-19 times and the lockdown period.

Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Aishwarya Vasudevan, Group COO, Neuberg Diagnostics Private Limited said, “People with kidney ailments are at a higher risk for COVID-19. Those on dialysis can have weaker immune systems, making it harder to fight infections. Hence it is imperative for kidney patients to continue with their regularly scheduled dialysis treatments and to take necessary precautions as recommended by their doctors. We are happy to be hosting Dr. Girish to talk about kidney care during these atypical times on account of the coronavirus scare. His recommendations will be very useful for people suffering from kidney ailments during these lockdown days."

Dr Girish N. S. has vast experience in the field of Nephrology and Kidney transplantation. He completed his Nephrology training from Cambridge, United Kingdom and was a Consultant at The Royal London Hospital (UK) prior to relocation to India. He spent 11yrs in the UK mastering the art of medicine, nephrology and kidney transplantation. Combination of an Indian and International experience has given him the extra edge of managing a variety of complicated cases.

He currently heads the Nephrology, Dialysis and Kidney transplant program at Columbia Asia Hospitals, Hebbal. He is one of the first few to perform Interhospital Swap transplants in South India. He has been instrumental in starting ABO incompatible and paired exchange (swap) kidney transplant program in CAH. He has expertise in the field of Acute Kidney Injury, Chronic kidney disease, Haemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis. He has a strong academic background with numerous presentations and publications in peer review journals.

During his address, Dr. Girish mentioned that the COVID-19 infection presents a special threat to patients with CKD (chronic kidney disease), especially to those on dialysis and kidney transplant recipients. According to him, Hemodialysis patients may have milder clinical disease than other patients with COVID-19 infection.

He gave numerous tips that people who are prone to kidney disease could use during these lockdown days to manage their kidney health. These include… 

• Engaging in regular exercise as it can lower the risk of kidney disease and can lower blood pressure and help with heart health.


• Controlling blood sugar level, especially for diabetic patients as this, may result in Kidney damage.


• Monitoring high blood pressure in a diabetic or heart patient which if not monitored could lead to significant health problems.


• Maintaining a healthy diet - low in sodium like fish, whole grains, blueberries, and cauliflower and manage weight especially for people who are overweight.


• Keeping oneself hydrated (1.5 - 2 Litres) as this can remove toxins from the body and could also help with the removal of kidney stones. 


• Control smoking as this could increase the chances of developing Kidney Cancer.


• Avoiding the intake of medicines without prescriptions as there are chances where medicines that can damage the kidneys.


• Keeping a tab on their kidney health and not miss treatments, dialysis and transplant procedures even if it involves travelling to a hospital / clinic during the lockdown, as delaying treatment could complicate the health condition severely 

The Webinar saw participation by over 100 individuals, mainly those with kidney ailments, their near & dear ones and those who were eager to learn more about managing kidney health during COVID-19 and the lockdown.