Swab test predicts baldness risk early, claims Metropolis

Now one may be able to predict the likelihood whether he/she could develop baldness well in advance and take remedial measures to contain it at a rather young age.

Metropolis Healthcare Ltd, a leading chain of diagnostics centres headquartered in Chennai, southern India, has developed a screening test to predict whether an individual is genetically predisposed to hereditary male and female pattern baldness.

The genetic test for hair loss that could provide an accurate analysis of a man or woman’s likelihood of developing androgenetic alopecia, the most common type of hair loss, reports said.

The test could be more appropriate for people above 18 years of age who are concerned about hair loss or for those who have a family history of baldness.

Metropolis’ genetic test for baldness analyses the DNA of the person and determines whether an individual has inherited the receptor gene of ‘androgenetic alopecia’.

The simple test does not make any pricks ot cuts in the body. It is totally non-invasive procedure which takes half a minute.

To determine the genetic risk of developing male and female hair loss the test uses a simple painless cheek swab.

The analytic results are then entered into a genetic information system that determines whether or not they are at risk for early onset of male pattern baldness.

If the results show high-risk that means there’s a 60 per cent probability of severe hair loss by the time an individual attains 40 years of age while low-risk means that the individual has an 80 per cent chance of not losing hair by age 60.

The genetic screening test for the pattern of hair loss helps the doctor assess the risk involved and can provide one with an early medical intervention prior to visible signs of baldness.

Early detection or prediction of hair loss can help in recommending the most effective medication to prevent future hair loss and baldness, stated Ameera Patel, CEO and executive director, Metropolis Healthcare Ltd.

The genetic test for hair loss will help an individual determine a genetic susceptibility to hair loss before thinning or receding hair becomes apparent.

The most obvious advantage of this test is that an individual doesn’t have to wait until they are in the midst of massive hair shedding. Individuals can save precious time in halting hair loss because there is always a lag time between the onset and effect of the therapy to treat baldness, Patel added.

Individuals worried about losing hair can call Metropolis for the confidential predictive test on the helpline number: 6650 5555.

The genetic test, however, comes a bit too expensive. It can cost Rs 9,000.

Founded by Dr Sushil Shah, Metropolis Healthcare Ltd is NABL accredited and ISO 15189 certified. Besides, India, the diagnostic chain covers Sri Lanka, Nigeria, South Africa, Bangladesh, Nepal and Mauritius. It provides around 4,000 specialized tests under a single roof ranging from oncology to genetics, molecular biology and immunoassays using best-of-breed and latest diagnostic equipment. It is a preferred referral center with more than 10,000 laboratories, clinicians, hospitals and research institutions across 125 cities India.

Metropolis’ Laboratory at Worli in central Mumbai, India is capable of carrying out over 3600 specialized tests covering a very wide spectrum of medical specialties, ranging from Oncology to genetics, Immunoassays to Molecular biology.

Apart from Corporate Heath Checks, Metropolis has operations in the areas of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Radiology and Imaging Services, Hospital Laboratory Managemement, Preventive Health Check Up, Central laboratory Services for Clinical Trials, Site Management Services, Home Health Services, Remote Pathology Testing Services, Public Private Partnership etc.