Media contact: Mike Mammarelli
Genetic Assays, Inc. 615-781-0709

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Real-time PCR Transplant Panel Offered By Local Clinical Diagnostics Laboratory
Genetic Assays Inc., introduces a Real-time PCR panel for transplant recipients.(April 1, 2004 – NASHVILLE, Tenn) Genetic Assays, Inc. has expanded their viral disease detection assays as the Nashville-based company expands their clinical diagnostics testing capabilities and their research and development department. The addition of the Real-time PCR Transplant Panel will offer the detection and quantification for three viruses related to transplant procedures including: BK Virus DNA-Quantitation (BKV), Adenovirus DNA-Quantitation and Cytomegalovirus DNA-Quantitation (CMV).

After all major transplants, including kidney, liver, bone marrow transplant,
etc., most patients develop one or a combination of these infections. Viral load
monitoring of these infections is helpful in the diagnosis and management of these infections and reactivation.

“Our laboratory is excited about a local laboratory, like Genetic Assays, providing these tests. Anytime we reference testing to a local group, we can expect better client services and turn around times,” said Brenda Neal, Supervisor of Client Services at Vanderbilt Pathology Laboratory Services (VPLS).

According to Mike A. Mammarelli, President of Genetic Assays, “Consistent with our focus, the addition of these Real-Time DNA PCR transplant tests offers our clients and their patients an earlier and more accurate diagnosis and management of critical viruses.”

Genetic Assays is a privately-owned clinical diagnostics laboratory that specializes in molecular DNA testing, paternity testing and genetic mutation detection. The company was started in 1994 and serves the majority of its clients in the Tennessee area. For more information, visit our website at www.geneticassays.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Local Clinical Diagnostics Laboratory Now Offers Cystic Fibrosis Testing

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends DNA screening for Cystic Fibrosis (CF) for all couples seeking preconception or prenatal care.

(December 11, 2002 - NASHVILLE, Tenn) Genetic Assays, Inc. has added the first of many anticipated tests for inherited diseases to its testing directory as the Nashville-based company expands their clinical diagnostics testing capabilities and their research and development department. The testing will screen for 33 of the most common CF mutations and associated polymorphisms, including all of the mutations currently recommended for screening by ACOG.

Cystic Fibrosis is one of the most common inherited diseases in the U.S., affecting one infant out of every 3,000 live births. Those affected have high levels of sodium and chloride (salt) in their sweat. More importantly, a thick, sticky mucous in the lungs causes persistent coughing, wheezing and frequent lung infections, including pneumonia. Cystic Fibrosis is not curable and the average survival of CF patients, including those with milder presentation, is approximately 30 years.

According to Paul Dahlhauser, VP and Director of Research and Laboratory Services, "This is the first inherited disorder for which carrier screening has been endorsed by a nationally recognized organization. With a 1 in 30 chance of a Caucasian being a carrier, it is highly likely that you know someone who is a carrier. If you are Caucasian, this equates to more than a 3% chance that you yourself may be a carrier. The screening will be primarily offered to expectant mothers of Caucasian or Ashkenazi Jewish descent. If a Caucasian mother tests negative for all 25 mutations recommended by ACOG, the risk that she will have a baby with CF are reduced almost 10 fold from 1 in 2,500 to 1 in 24,000".

Genetic Assays is a privately-owned clinical diagnostics laboratory that specializes in molecular DNA testing, paternity testing and genetic mutation detection. The company was started in 1994 and serves the majority of its clients in the Middle Tennessee area. For more information, visit our web site at www.geneticassays.com.