The demand for genetic testing is rising sharply. This is because its benefits far outweigh the costs, and it helps in early planning to outline viable health management strategies.
Genetic testing cost in India is often a matter of debate, as many consumers find the price tag very staggering. So, their search also pans places where affordable costs exist, and a comparison of genetic test costs in public vs. private labs becomes inevitable.
Genetic testing facilities are available in both public and private labs. The private labs have an upper hand because of their numbers and pro-customer approach to stay ahead of the competition in the market.
Private vs. Government Labs For Testing
In genetic testing, private labs offer a wide array of specialized services to deliver quicker despite some hefty costs. On the other hand, the number of public hospitals or government-run hospitals may be limited, yet they provide cost-effective services, with genetic testing costs in India appearing to be a fraction of those of the private laboratories.
Turnaround Time and Quality
Private labs give results faster. Simple tests usually take 3–7 days, and complex tests like Whole Genome Sequencing may take 2–4 weeks. Government labs take longer, often 2–6 weeks, because of more patients and fewer resources.
Both private and government labs follow high standards. Private labs often have NABL or CAP accreditation and use advanced equipment. Government labs are reliable too, but may be slower or less detailed.
Private labs are faster and more convenient, while government labs are reliable and cheaper.
Why Private Labs Cost More
As has been noted, private labs dominate the Indian medical testing market with diverse services that range from ancestry tests to specific diagnostic tests for tracing elusive diseases. Many defend the higher costs of private laboratories in light of advanced technology, specialized staff, and convenience.
As for the costs of tests, the basic tests come at an average of INR 10,000 to INR 15,000, while legally admissible tests will cost three times those amounts.
Clinical genetic testing commands higher prices. The examples are single-gene tests, like for BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations, coming at a cost ranging from INR 15,000 to INR 30,000. The most expensive test is Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS), where the charges exceed INR one lakh.
Leading Testing Service Providers
In choosing a reliable testing lab, consumers mainly look for accreditations, including NABL (National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories) and CAP (College of American Pathologists), to ensure they get service with the highest quality standards.
Among the vast number of testing providers, MedGenome is a prominent name. Other significant players include Map My Genome, Strand Life Sciences, GeneTech, DFL, and Igenomix India.
Many leading government hospitals and research institutions also offer genetic testing services with a cost cushion. They include the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and the National Institute of Biomedical Genomics (NIBMG), with a focus on genetic tests for diagnosing and managing diseases.
Why Genetic Tests Are Important
One of the biggest advantages of genetic testing is customised treatment plans, including medication dosages suiting the unique genetic profile of a person. This increases the drug’s effectiveness and tames the risk of adverse reactions.
By gathering a better understanding of a person’s genetic predispositions, it is easy to take steps to prevent or delay the onset of high-risk diseases like cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s.
Conclusion
To conclude, the testing market scenario is vibrant, and consumers want reliable results, and in that, costs are secondary. Perhaps the right approach could be exploring all the options available for the best genetic testing after comparing the genetic testing cost in India, and then picking the best provider without compromising on quality.
