Israeli Health Ministry Warns of Faulty Genetic Tests Affecting Over 90,000

The Israeli Ministry of Health has issued an urgent warning to the public regarding a malfunction in genetic carrier tests for the BRCA 1 gene, distributed by the Israeli company Gamidor. The issue, identified in a nanochip test kit, raises concerns about potentially incorrect negative results, meaning individuals who carry genetic mutations might have been wrongly informed they do not.

Gamidor, which supplies medical equipment and services to laboratories and hospitals in Israel, reported the defect after reviewing results from the affected kits. A total of over 90,000 tests were conducted using the faulty kits. Following an investigation into the nature of the malfunction, Gamidor, along with genetic institutes and laboratories, identified approximately 100 samples where a false negative result is suspected.

The company has since rectified the technical issue. In the coming days, genetic institutes and laboratories that used the defective Gamidor kits will contact individuals whose test results may be inaccurate. If deemed necessary, these individuals will be asked to provide an additional blood sample for retesting.

The Ministry of Health advises that individuals do not need to contact laboratories or genetic institutes proactively, as those with potentially affected results will be contacted directly. The Ministry stated it will provide further updates as the situation develops.