Fresh from the BloodCenter of Wisconsin diagnostics lab is an expansion in their genetic testing menu for hemophilia.  The new, comprehensive approach identifies the genetic abnormality in over 95 percent of all hemophilia patients.  The breakthrough is essential for the early detection and preventative treatment of patients and allows the testing process to be both faster and more accurate.

"Proper diagnosis of a bleeding disorder such as hemophilia is critical to patient care," said BloodCenter of Wisconsin's chief medical officer, Thomas Abshire, M.D. 

Knowing the genetic risks of hemophilia allows physicians to predict threats before they happen.  A common problem in the treatment of hemophilia is that the patients develop an immune reaction (inhibitor) to the drug prescribed to treat them.  As a result, sufferers often require expensive alternative drug treatments.  With the knowledge of this risk and the addition of advanced testing, physicians can monitor the patient more closely to rotate treatments earlier and reduce this risk.

"An efficient and accurate diagnosis insures proper treatment is delivered to the patient, particularly if a patient is in need of surgery," continued Abshire, "and so that other family members can be tested or made aware as they might also be affected."

There are several types of hemophilia and genetic abnormalities for each one, so a variety of genetics tests must be issued to properly identify the appropriate treatment for an individual's care.  As patients suffering from the bleeding disorder are classified at levels from mild and moderate, which often go undetected and undiagnosed, to severe, BloodCenter of Wisconsin's hemophilia testing menu now offers testing to all hemophilia patients.  Expanded test availability allows physicians to prescribe the most effective treatment for the patients while remaining cost effective.