Genetic Test Glitch May Have Yielded 100 False Negative Results

The Israeli Ministry of Health announced on Tuesday a malfunction in a genetic test kit used to screen for BRCA1 gene mutations, potentially leading to approximately 100 incorrect negative results. The issue arose from a faulty kit manufactured by Gemidor, which was used in over 90,000 tests.

Following the discovery of the malfunction, health officials and Gemidor reviewed all tests conducted with the affected kit. They identified about 100 samples where a false negative result is suspected. Individuals whose samples are among these 100 will be proactively contacted by the genetic institutes and laboratories where the tests were performed.

Gemidor has since corrected the technical fault in its kits. If deemed necessary, those identified as potentially having received an incorrect negative result will be invited to provide an additional blood sample. The Ministry of Health stressed that individuals who underwent the test do not need to contact laboratories independently, as outreach will be initiated only for those with suspected erroneous results.

The affected test, known as a nanochip test, is designed to detect common genetic changes, or mutations, in the BRCA1 gene, which is associated with an increased risk of certain cancers.