The first ever DNA testing centre has been opened at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) in Accra. The centre which aims at addressing issues pertaining to the essence of an individual’s life is situated at the second floor of the Central Laboratory building of the hospital. Biomedical Scientist (BMS), Augustine Sagoe of the Immunology and Cell Biology Department of KBTH in an interview with HEALTH MATTERS said DNA is the digital life essence of an individual which differentiates him or her from any other person. He said it helps to ascertain a person’s lineage, paternity or sex. Samples such as saliva, blood, hair or any part of the body may be used for testing. According to him the motive for opening the centre was to bring to the doorsteps of Ghanaians a more cost-effective and less strenuous access to DNA examinations which is usually requested when traveling overseas or by the courts. “There are two types DNA tests which include paternity (the two set) which involves a child and the father, or (the three set) which involves mother, father and child. For the double the fee is $400 and the three set $800,” he added. He said the process for purchasing the machines was initiated six years ago and had undergone all the necessary procedures before it was brought into the country. BMS Sagoe noted that the centre was open to every Ghanaian because it is healthy to know the status of one’s DNA. He assured that clients are entitled to see one of the two registered Samplers in Ghana for them to authenticate the samples before the test takes place. “Our clients would be educated and counseled on the implications of having a DNA test by the Samplers before signing for the test to take place in the presence of the DNA Centre’s lawyer to make them conversant with the situation,” he said. BMS Seth Agyeman, Head of the Immunology and Cell Biology Department averred it will take 10-working days to complete the test even though the genetic analyzer can handle 56 cases within 24-hours. This he said would enable them present credible and effective results for services rendered to clients. “Protocol of acquisition will take many forms depending on its legal implications,” he said. BMS Agyeman called on corporate bodies to come on board by adopting or assisting the department to achieve its goals. By Henrietta Abayie/Daily Guide/Ghana