Kimball Genetics Celebrates 10 Years of Unique Genetic Testing Service

(I-Newswire) December 19, 2004 - The hallmarks of Kimball's service are a one-day turnaround for testing and exceptional personal service including complimentary genetic counseling for physicians, laboratories, and individuals alike. Combining genetic counseling with highest accuracy of testing was the goal of President, Laboratory Director, and sole owner, Annette K. Taylor, M.S., Ph.D., when she founded the company in 1994. Trained at Dartmouth, UCLA, and the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Dr. Taylor is board certified in both clinical molecular genetics and genetic counseling. This combination of qualifications is unusual and led to her conviction that a strong emphasis on genetic counseling and education should be an integral part of testing.

Early detection of genetic disorders or susceptibilities allows for prevention or treatment that can save lives. Dr. Taylor explains, "We focus on offering tests that can improve quality of life through early detection or for which results in one day are particularly helpful". Kimball is also involved in clinical research studies with numerous universities and companies and welcomes the opportunity for more.

Superior technical ability has earned Kimball high esteem in the field of molecular diagnostics. The laboratory's one-day turnaround time is unrivaled in the market where the standard turnaround time is one to two weeks. Availability of test results in one day helps relieve anxiety for those being tested and can aid in quick decision making for medical management. While Kimball serves a wide range of customers nationally including large reference labs, hospitals, physician offices, and patients directly, the central theme of doing the utmost for the patient is always paramount.

Technical expertise and willingness to go the extra mile also mean Kimball can be relied upon to gain results from small samples (blood or prenatal) that would often be rejected by other laboratories. The company also frequently assists other laboratories with tricky cases, in particular for fragile X syndrome which is one of the most complex tests to perform and interpret. Kimball has had extensive experience in fragile X testing and research and has earned the honor of trusted leader in this field.

Kimball has also been innovative regarding the type of sample to test. Unlike most laboratories, for prenatal cases Kimball provides testing on direct amniotic fluid or chorionic villus (CVS) samples, thus eliminating time lost when cells must be cultured. In addition, the company was one of the first laboratories to offer the option of testing cheek cells instead of blood for children and adults, thus avoiding the need for a blood draw. This allows customers the freedom to send in their own samples and facilitates direct-to-consumer testing. This service, in combination with the provided genetic counseling and education, helps empower the patient.

Genetics is a complex and increasingly important facet of medical care. Kimball is consistently at the forefront of providing new genetic tests soon after gene associations with genetic disorders are discovered. Along with this, the company has taken on a role as genetics educator. Dr. Charles Brantigan, prominent vascular surgeon in Denver, reflects the sentiments of many physicians who work with this laboratory by saying, "Kimball Genetics is clearly the leader in genetic testing. I rely on the information they provide. Not only do they perform excellent testing and yield comprehensive reports in the shortest timeframe possible, they also keep me up to date on new genetic discoveries in the hypercoagulability field that could affect my practice."

What is next for Kimball Genetics? Clearly, the future of genetic testing holds much promise for further enhancing medical care. As discoveries of the genetic basis of common disorders continue to mount, Kimball will remain at the forefront of providing new tests. The laboratory will be a leader in the emerging trend of personalized medicine which utilizes knowledge of individuals' genetic makeup to optimize treatment. As Kimball's testing expands, however, growth will never lead to a bureaucracy that would diminish service. What is best for the patient will always be the central focus at Kimball Genetics.

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