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Published on: Apr 04, 2020
1 minute read
By: Dr Vibhash Mishra

Corona Virus (COVID-19) Being Responsible

The world is in a state of panic with fear of Corona and perhaps rightly so. Official, semi-official and unofficial guidances are pouring in from all possible sources. Social media has been promoting the use of masks only for sufferers of Corona infection and those who are having symptoms of cough and fever. Some experts have gone to the extent of suggesting that the use of mask for members of the general public may even be harmful. It may promote a sense of complacency among people, a false sense of safety leading to negligence of other precautions. Masks may be so ill-fitting that the user has to touch it frequently to adjust it, which may lead to transmission of infection. The virus is supposed to be transmitted by droplets coughed out by the sufferers. The purpose of the mask used by these people is to stop passing on the droplets to others. While this notion seems to make sense, it may not be entirely true and the use of masks by people at large may still have some protective value. There may be people who are infected and not aware of it. Avoiding relatively close contact with such people at public places may not be easy in populous countries which are not locked down completely yet. Use of mask in that situation may provide some protection at least. After all the infected droplets need to be inhaled to cause further infection and a mask over the mouth and nostrils will prevent the inhalation to some extent. It seems, therefore, that discouraging people from using masks may be an irresponsible act. What should be emphasized instead is that using a mask is not the end of your responsibility towards protecting yourself and others. Other precautions are equally important. Following are a few examples:
1. If you have cough and/or fever, confine yourself indoors and avoid coming in contact with people, specially children, elderly and those with chronic illnesses.
2. Wash your hands well with soap and water frequently and certainly after touching anyone or anything.
3. Avoid touching your face and eyes unnecessarily.
4. Do not cough in the open or on your hands. Use a tissue or your sleeve instead. Bin the tissue immediately.
5. Avoid unnecessary travels.
6. Avoid public gatherings.
7. If you suspect you may be infected with Corona, do not use antibiotics, they will not be effective.
8. When interacting with strangers or those with cough/fever, stand at least three steps away.

Dr Vibhash Mishra, London, UK, Chief Medical Officer, Second Medic

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Genetic Testing Services India: How DNA-Based Insights Are Transforming Preventive Healthcare

Genetic testing services in India have rapidly expanded over the last decade, becoming a vital part of preventive healthcare, early diagnosis, and personalized treatment planning. As medical science advances, understanding one’s DNA has become more accessible, accurate, and meaningful. Genetic testing empowers individuals with information about hereditary risks, potential health challenges, and personalized lifestyle recommendations based on their biological blueprint.

With rising chronic disease rates, cancer cases, and lifestyle-driven health issues, India is now embracing DNA-based healthcare as an essential tool for early detection and long-term prevention. SecondMedic integrates genetic insights into its preventive care ecosystem, helping individuals and families make informed decisions about their health.

The Growing Importance of Genetic Testing in India

India has a diverse population with complex genetic structures, making genetic testing particularly valuable. Many hereditary conditions often go undiagnosed until symptoms appear, which sometimes leads to delayed treatment.

Several factors are driving the growth of genetic testing in India:

Increased awareness of hereditary diseases
Rising cancer and cardiac risk among younger populations
Demand for preventive and precision healthcare
Wider availability of DNA-testing technology
Integration of genomics into clinical practice

As people seek more personalized healthcare, genetic testing has become a powerful tool for understanding risk factors long before they cause illness.

What Genetic Testing Reveals About Your Health

Genetic testing examines specific DNA markers to determine predispositions and inherited risks. The results provide clarity about future risks, potential conditions, and biological tendencies that influence long-term health.

Genetic testing can reveal:

Predisposition to cancer
Heart disease risk
Diabetes and metabolic disorders
Thyroid and hormonal disorders
Lipid metabolism issues
Neurological and genetic syndromes
Response to medicines (pharmacogenomics)
Carrier status for inheritable conditions

This information creates a foundation for preventive action, lifestyle modification, and informed medical decisions.

Types of Genetic Testing Available in India

India’s genetic testing ecosystem offers several categories of tests designed for different health needs.

Common types include:

Hereditary cancer risk testing
Cardiac risk genetic screening
Metabolic and lifestyle-based DNA tests
Carrier screening for inheritable conditions
Pharmacogenomic testing
Newborn screening
Whole exome or genome sequencing

SecondMedic works with leading genetic laboratories to deliver clinically validated tests integrated with actionable health insights.

Genetic Testing and Preventive Medicine

Preventive healthcare becomes far more effective when guided by genetic insights. Instead of waiting for symptoms, individuals can take proactive steps based on their specific risk profile.

Genetic testing supports preventive care by:

Identifying risks early
Recommending personalized diet and exercise plans
Providing medication compatibility insights
Monitoring high-risk individuals more closely
Guiding screening schedules

This approach significantly reduces the likelihood of severe disease progression.

Integration of Genetic Testing with Precision Medicine

Precision medicine aims to deliver treatments tailored to individual biology. Genetic testing is central to this approach, helping doctors customize care.

Genetic insights influence:

Selecting the right medications
Determining accurate dosages
Avoiding harmful drug reactions
Recommending targeted therapies
Planning long-term health strategies

SecondMedic combines genetic data with electronic health records, lab reports, and lifestyle assessments to build comprehensive care plans.

Genetic Testing and Family Health Management

Understanding genetic risks does not only benefit individuals—it supports entire families. Many conditions are passed down through generations and early awareness can help protect family members.

Genetic testing helps families identify:

Hereditary cancer patterns
Recessive or dominant genetic traits
Chromosomal conditions
Diseases likely to appear later in life

SecondMedic provides family-focused genetic counseling that helps relatives assess their own risks based on shared history.

Safety, Accuracy, and Reliability of Genetic Testing

Modern genetic testing is safe, non-invasive, and highly reliable. Most tests require only a saliva sample or a painless cheek swab. Laboratories then analyze DNA using advanced sequencing technologies.

Accuracy is ensured through:

Globally validated testing panels
High-depth DNA sequencing
Cross-verified genetic markers
Clinically certified laboratories
Medical review of results

SecondMedic ensures that genetic reports are interpreted by certified experts for practical application.

The Role of Genetic Counseling in DNA-Based Healthcare

Raw DNA data alone is not enough. Patients need clear guidance on how to understand and apply genetic results. Genetic counseling helps individuals navigate results confidently and make informed decisions.

Counseling includes:

Explanation of risk levels
Genetic pattern interpretation
Clear preventive recommendations
Family planning guidance
Personalized lifestyle strategies

SecondMedic offers genetic counseling alongside reports to ensure meaningful, actionable insights.

How SecondMedic Integrates Genetic Testing into Preventive Care

SecondMedic creates a seamless experience where genetic testing becomes part of a broader health management plan. After receiving results, individuals gain access to personalized nutrition, fitness, screening schedules, and digital monitoring tools.

SecondMedic’s approach includes:

Personalized DNA-based health reports
Doctor-reviewed insights
Custom preventive health plans
Ongoing monitoring and follow-up
Integration with AI-based risk scoring
Virtual consultations with specialists

This ensures long-term support based on accurate genetic understanding.

The Future of Genetic Testing in India

Genomics is set to transform Indian healthcare in the coming years. As technology becomes more affordable and awareness grows, genetic testing will become a routine part of preventive health.

Upcoming trends include:

Widespread use of pharmacogenomics
DNA-based nutrition personalization
Expanded newborn genetic screening
AI-driven genetic interpretation
Integration with national digital health records
Genetic-based early disease prediction

SecondMedic aims to make genetic testing accessible, affordable, and clinically meaningful for individuals across India.

Conclusion

Genetic testing services in India are unlocking powerful insights that empower individuals to take control of their health. Through DNA-based risk assessment, hereditary screening, and precision medicine, genetic testing creates a pathway to informed, preventive, and personalized healthcare. SecondMedic integrates these insights into comprehensive wellness plans, giving users long-term guidance for healthier living.

To book genetic testing or explore DNA-based health programs, visit www.secondmedic.com

References

NITI Aayog – Genomics and Precision Medicine India
ICMR – Genetic Disorders in India 2024
IMARC – Indian Genetic Testing Market Report
WHO – Human Genomics in Healthcare
Nature Genetics – Global Genetic Risk Studies

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