The Minister for Health, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng has directed that going forward, only two laboratories in Uganda have the mandate to conduct DNA tests.
While addressing journalists on Monday, Dr. Aceng indicated that the two main laboratories including Government Analytical Laboratory (GAL) and MBN Clinical Laboratories will carry out the tests because they have been certified and accredited nationally and internationally.
The Minister emphasized that any other laboratory interested in providing similar services will have to officially request through the Director General of Health Services.
“Any Laboratory that is prepared and wants to do DNA paternity testing can apply to the Director General of Health Services who will set up a team of experts to assess the Laboratory for certification. Unless they have agreements with the laboratories to which they send samples for testing and the testing laboratories take full responsibility of the results” she said
She further states that laboratories will also be required to seek permission from the Director Health Services and Uganda National Council for Science and Technology before shipping any DNA samples abroad.
“No Laboratory or any facility shall ship any samples for DNA paternity testing outside the country except with special clearance from the Director General of Health Services and/ or (UNCST).” she adds
The health Minister has also warned the public against using rapid test kits for DNA testing because they are neither accurate nor cleared for use in Uganda.
She notes that unscrupulous individuals are smuggling in the test kits and selling them online, but will be stopped with joint efforts from the National Drug Authority and Uganda Revenue Authority.
“I have been informed of some rapid diagnostic tests purported to be home made DNA test kits some of which are available online. These RDT’s are not validated for use in Uganda, I have instructed the department of National Health Laboratory and Diagnostics at MOH to work with NDA and URA to ensure these RDT’s are gotten rid of.”
Recently, the Uganda Police Spokesperson Fred Enanga warned families to seek services from certified facilities with trained genetic counselors as compared to using home DNA kits. He explained that the home testing may not be as accurate and the families could need counseling.
” They should identify DNA testing centers that are certified, because they have trained genetic counselors. Some of the home DNA kits can be subject to contamination and can lead to inaccurate test results. It’s important therefore, to have DNA testing performed at a reputable testing facility that is certified. They have strict standards for testing and accuracy.” he stated on Monday last week
The Prime Minister Robbinah Nabbanja will on Tuesday present a statement to parliament during plenary on the same matter.