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Newborn screening is a simple test that is conducted shortly after birth to identify congenital or genetic disorders in Newborn babies that could result in major disabilities if not managed early and appropriately. Metabolic birth defects can cause physical problems, mental retardation and, in some cases, death. It is best for the baby and the family if these conditions are detected and treated early. SYNLAB offers an expanded metabolic screening and can confirm or exclude disorders of the newborn infants (32 disorders) and in elder children (27 disorders).

The development of a new screening technique known as tan­dem mass spectrometry (often abbreviated as MS/MS) can detect the blood components that are elevated in certain disor­ders, and is capable of screening for inherited metabolic disor­ders with a single test such as sickle cell anaemia, G6PD, cystic fibrosis, hypothyroidism, biotinidase defi­ciency, galactosaemia, adreno genital syndrome (AGS), phenylketonuria (PKU), maple syrup urine disease (MSUD), homocystinuria, tyrosinaemia type I, MCAD deficiency, propionic acidaemia, glutaric aciduria type I, isovalerianic acidaemia and methylmalonic acidaemia and other 15 more rare disorders. Furthermore, the used method also detects aber­rant amino acid concentrations (including Tyrosinemia Type I).

How is the screening done?

For the screening, capillary blood drops are placed on a special Filter Card, which will be available from any SYNLAB office. The time of withdrawal is 3rd to 6th day of life.

The newborn screen is most accurate if the infant's blood is taken after the first 36 hours of their life. If it was done before 36 hours of age, a second sample needs to be taken if the infant is 1 to 2 weeks old.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections or diseases that are passed on during unprotected sex with an infected partner. They are caused by bacteria, parasites, and viruses, which can be transmitted from person to person in blood, semen, or vaginal and other bodily fluids.

Most people with STIs don’t show any symptoms. It's possible to contract STIs from people who seem perfectly healthy and may not even know they have an infection. That’s why it’s crucial to get tested, even if you feel perfectly fine.

If left untreated, STIs can lead to severe health issues, such as an increased risk of getting HIV, certain cancers, mother-to-child transmission, and even infertility.

Why choose SYNLAB for STI testing?

At SYNLAB, we understand that getting tested for STIs can be a sensitive and stressful experience. That's why we offer fast, accurate, and confidential testing services that are designed to make the process as easy and stress-free as possible.

Our team of experienced healthcare professionals is trained to provide compassionate and nonjudgmental care, and we use the latest diagnostic technologies to ensure accurate and reliable results. Our goal is to help you take control of your health and well-being and live free from the worry and
stigma of STIs.

Common STI symptoms

While many STIs don't cause symptoms, some common signs and symptoms to watch out for include;

• • • • • • • Sores on the genitals or in the oral or rectal area
            • painful or burning urination
            • Discharge from the penis
            • Unusual or foul-smelling vaginal discharge
            • Unusual vaginal bleeding
            • Pain during sex
            • Sore, swollen lymph nodes, particularly in the groin
            • Lower abdominal pain
            • Fever
            • Rash

The most common STIs

Here are the most common STIs that we test for at SYNLAB:

Chlamydia: Chlamydia is a common STI that is caused by bacteria. People who are infected frequently don’t show any symptoms in the early stages. But an untreated infection may damage a woman’s reproductive tract and her ability to get pregnant.

Gonorrhoea: Gonorrhoea is also caused by bacteria and can be transmitted through unprotected sex. If left untreated, it may cause infertility.

Hepatitis B: Hepatitis B is a sexually transmitted disease, but it is spread in other ways, too. You can get infected through contact with an infected person's blood, semen, or vaginal fluids.

HIV: HIV is caused by a virus and attacks the immune system, our body’s natural defense against illness. untreated HIV infection may cause Acquired Immune deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

Syphilis: syphilis is caused by bacteria and can affect any part of the body, including the brain, spinal cord, and heart. It can be treated with antibiotics.

Human papillomavirus (HPV): HPV is a common infection that can affect different parts of your body

Genital herpes: Genital herpes is an STI caused by the herpes simplex virus and can affect both men and women. The infection is mostly asymptomatic but may cause painful blisters and ulcers.

Trichomoniasis: Trichomoniasis is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by a parasite. In women, trichomoniasis can cause a foul-smelling vaginal discharge, genital itching and painful urination. Men who have trichomoniasis typically have no symptoms.

How to get started

Getting tested for STIs is easy and confidential at SYNLAB. We offer convenient appointment times and locations to fit your schedule, and we are friendly and professional.

Book an appointment at SYNLAB today to take control of your sexual health and ensure you're living a healthy and fulfilling life.

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SYNLAB with the help of its Specialist Consultants developed several panels for various conditions to help in assessment, better diagnosis, and treatment.

Doctors' Resources

Radiology Request Form

SYNLAB Request Form

Allergy Request Form

In-House Test Catalogue

Sendaways Test Catalogue

Paternity DNA testing is a method to determine whether two individuals, in this case father/mother and child are biologically related. Tests can also determine the likelihood of someone being a biological grandparent. It analyzes specific DNA markers to assess if there's a genetic match, confirming or excluding the tested individual as the biological father. This type of testing is often used for legal or personal reasons, such as establishing parental rights, inheritance claims, or resolving paternity disputes.

Or

Fertility testing is crucial for understanding reproductive health, identifying potential issues, and helping individuals or couples make informed decisions about family planning. It can provide valuable insights into hormonal levels, ovarian reserve, sperm quality, and overall fertility factors. SYNLAB with the help of experienced specialists have put together a list of tests for both men and women to aid in early intervention if needed. You may also book and appointment to see our Obs & Gynea specialist for treatment and further guidance.

Or

Do you have a business schedule?

Are you feeling too sick to leave the comfort of your home?

Do you live in a remote area and find it difficult or lazy to get into town?

Are you struggling with mobility issues?

Do you have elderly parents or relatives who need to have a lab test done?

Is the traffic too stressful and you do not want to spend long hours commuting to a health facility?

How about calling our mobile team to sample you from the convenience of your home or office. Wondering why you should call us?

1.    It’s a convenient and comfortable option

2.    It offers improved accessibility to healthcare

3.    It eliminates waiting time

4.    It saves transportation time and

5.    It’s hassle free

At just a click of a button, you can request a Home Sampling Service. We can come to you at a day and time convenient to you.

Call SYNLAB today on 059 691 1883 to book a home service.

SYNLAB Clinic provides primary healthcare and offers convenient access to a wide range of multi-specialist services all under one roof. Also available, is a comfortable detention ward to provide extra attention for detain patients. Clinic services are available at South Legon branch only.

The clinic offers General & Specialist Consultations. Some of the Specialist consultation services include:

• • Obstetrics and Gynaecology
  • Paediatrics
  • Dietician
  • Internal Medicine / Family Medicine
  • Dermatology
  • Physiotherapist
  • Cardiology

Dietitian

Nutrition is an essential part of health and development. Better nutrition leads to stronger immune systems and general wellbeing. It also lowers the risk of non-communicable diseases (such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease) and improves longevity.

Speak to our Dietitian for expert nutrition and dietary advice.

Physiotherapy

Speak to our Physiotherapist on all your mobility concerns. He is available to assist with issues related to your bones, joint, muscles, ligament and many more.

Infectious diseases

Infectious diseases are disorders caused by harmful organisms such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, or parasites. Some infectious diseases can be passed from person to person and in some cases from insects, other animals or contaminated food or water. Symptoms may include fever, diarrhoea, muscle aches, coughing and fatigue. Infectious disease is broad, from AIDS to Zika virus. From the A-Z of infectious diseases, speak to our Infectious Diseases expert today.

Dermatology

Are you suffering from any skin condition?

Skins problems can be embarrassing and irritating. The causes could range from allergies, certain diseases, genetic makeup, or even due to immune system complications. With our Dermatology services, you can have skin issues attended to at an affordable price.

Available at South Legon branch only. Call us on 0257 999 009 for enquiries and booking.

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Ask about SYNLAB’S loyalty card program which offers up to 7.5% discount on our laboratory and radiology tests. Available are the Platinum card and the Gold card. Card can be used across any of our branches and is valid for all our 6,500+ tests.

Call 0302 763 580 for more details and to sign up.

SYNLAB is here to help!

SYNLAB has over the years developed some advanced life transforming tests to support individuals and healthcare providers in managing and treating their patients.

We understand that some of these tests are a bit pricey due to Ghana’s economic situation. Based on this premise, we have introduced the Flexi-Pay program to offer patients more flexibility in paying for such tests.

Why is this important?

1. Affordable Access: Our goal is to ensure that financial constraints do not prevent you from accessing the vital health tests you need

2. Flexibility: Whether you choose to spread your payments over 3, 4, or 6 months, our plan is designed to fit your budget and ease the financial burden

3. Peace of Mind: Knowing that you can manage your payments in smaller, more manageable amounts allows you to focus on what truly matters—your health and well-being.

To know more on tests accessible on the Flexi- pay program, Call 0302 763 580

SYNLAB is here to help!

Everyone has a unique genetic profile and responds differently to medication. In a large patient population, a medication that is proven efficacious in many patients often fails to work in some other patients. Furthermore, when it does work, it may cause serious side effects, even death, in a small number of patients.

SYNLAB’s MyPGx offers a smart, fine-tuned approach to treating patients for many clinical conditions. MyPGx is a Pharmacogenetics test that provides a tool to examine the individual genetic profile of the patient and personalize the choice and dosage of drugs, to increase the likelihood of successful therapy and reducing the risk of dangerous side effects or ineffective therapy.

In breast cancer alone, more than 1.6 million new cases are diagnosed each year worldwide. Approximately 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime with 5-10% of cases being hereditary. More than 230,000 new ovarian cancer cases are diagnosed each year with 20% of cases being hereditary. Generally, ovarian and breast cancers are associated with mutations in the BRCA1 and 2 genes. The genes act as tumour suppressors by blocking the development of cancer hence a mutation in these genes causes them to lose their functionality and thus cannot prevent tumour development.

BRCA-plus (BRCA+) has been designed by genetics experts from SYNLAB group to analyse 18 genes (BRCA 1&2 plus 16 other genes) to provide a more comprehensive result. The test is recommended for:

• Women aged 30 years and above with/without a family history of breast cancer (female or male) and/or ovarian cancer
• Affected patients who want to determine their possible hereditary nature
• Relative carriers of a mutation in BRCA1 or BRCA2

Do you know what you’re allergic to?

Knowing your allergy status can help you avoid these allergens and prevent the risk of experiencing a
serious allergic reaction. At SYNLAB, we provide accurate and reliable diagnostic services to help you
know your allergy triggers.

Are you at risk of developing allergies?

Allergies occur when your immune system reacts to a foreign substance such as pollen, bee venom,
pet dander (material shed by cats, dogs, and other animals with fur or feathers), or food that doesn’t
cause a reaction in most people.

Allergies can affect anyone, regardless of age or gender. Some people are more prone to developing
allergies due to genetic factors, environmental factors, or a combination of both. It's important to
note that allergies can develop at any time, even if you haven't had an allergic reaction in the past.

Knowing your allergy diagnosis has many benefits. It can help you find precise treatment solutions,
prevent severe allergic reactions, create a manageable diet, determine if an allergy has been
outgrown, and identify allergens to avoid at home or work.

Get an allergy test and become allergy aware

Understanding the different allergy categories

Do you have food allergies? For most people, going to a celebration with plenty of food is an amazing experience. But for parents of children with food allergies and even adults with food allergies, any event that involves food is filled with stress and worry. This is because coming in contact with the wrong food can cause a serious allergic reaction. Our tests can help identify the specific food that's causing the allergic reaction, allowing you to make informed choices about your diet and avoid harmful situations.

Do you have airborne allergies? Many people are allergic to things like dust, pollen, cigarette smoke, dead skin and fur. They can trigger allergic symptoms such as sneezing, stuffy nose, coughing, itchy skin, rash, watery, itchy, and red eyes, and sore throat. If you've been experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to get tested to find out what's causing your reaction. Our tests can help determine which allergen is causing your symptoms, allowing you to avoid exposure and find relief.

Are you allergic to animals? Living with animal allergies can be a real challenge, especially if you love pets. Animal allergies are common, particularly in people who have other allergies or asthma. People may have an allergy to any animal, especially those with fur or feathers. However, most animal allergies result from a person coming into contact with cats and dogs. As a result, not everyone can experience the joy of being around household pets. Our tests can help identify the specific animal that's causing the allergic reaction, allowing you to make informed decisions about pet ownership and avoid exposure.

Are you allergic to insects? Most insects are harmless and good for the environment. Some, like mosquitoes, inflict painful or irritating bites and spread diseases. Other insects sting and release venom. For most people, insect stings only cause a minor reaction. This may include some redness, swelling, or itching at the site of the sting. This normally goes away within hours. For some people, however, an insect sting can cause a severe reaction or even death. Our tests can help identify which insects cause you to have an allergic reaction, allowing you to avoid harmful situations.

Are you allergic to certain chemicals? Chemical allergies are more common than you might think. They can cause a variety of symptoms, including skin rash, itchy skin, hives, watery, itchy, and red eyes, chronic pain, and swelling. If you've been experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to get tested to find out what's causing your reaction. Our tests can help determine which chemical is causing the allergic reaction, allowing you to avoid exposure and find relief.