Bayview Laboratory has forged a groundbreaking alliance with CariGenetics, a Bermuda-based genetics firm, to enhance access to genetic testing services in Barbados. This partnership heralds a new chapter in personalized healthcare for the island, enabling residents to make informed decisions about their health and wellness. The collaboration introduces a comprehensive suite of genetic tests, encompassing paternity, familial, and ancestry analysis, alongside insights into nutrition, fitness, skincare, personality traits, medication efficacy, and health risks. Notably, Barbadians will gain access to the region’s inaugural gut microbiome analysis kit, with self-collection kits soon available at Bayview Laboratory and select pharmacies island-wide. Dr. Lyndon Waterman, Lab Director, emphasized the transformative potential of these services, stating, ‘Your DNA holds the key to understanding optimal nutrition, fitness routines, skincare regimens, and even disease predispositions and medication responses.’ Bayview Laboratory’s recent expansion of its testing menu, which now includes cholesterol, HbA1C, and liver and kidney function tests, underscores its commitment to advancing community health. The partnership also aligns with CariGenetics’ mission to address the underrepresentation of Caribbean genetic data in global genomic research. Dr. Carika Weldon, Founder & CEO of CariGenetics, highlighted the broader implications of this disparity, noting, ‘The lack of diverse genomic data, particularly from the Caribbean, results in less effective treatments and inequitable healthcare outcomes. Most medical research is based on European DNA, which represents only 15% of the global population.’ Together, Bayview Laboratory and CariGenetics are not only democratizing access to advanced genetic tests but also establishing a secure, anonymous genomic database to fill critical gaps in global research. This initiative positions Barbados and the wider Caribbean at the forefront of personalized, data-driven healthcare, marking a significant milestone for the region.
CariGenetics and Bayview Laboratory Partner to Launch Genetic Testing in Barbados
