Why is Enigma Genomics one of the top genetic testing labs in Saudi Arabia?
With the rise of genetic disorders in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East, and their negative impact on current and future generations, as well as the challenges affecting the accuracy of testing—primarily due to the complex traditional methods used—Enigma Genomics was established to overcome these obstacles. Its goal is to help reduce the spread of genetic disorders and revolutionize their diagnosis and treatment through comprehensive genetic testing. Enigma employs the latest genetic screening technologies powered by artificial intelligence for prevention, early diagnosis, and providing personalized treatments tailored to each individual's genetic makeup, known as personalized medicine. The mission is encapsulated in the slogan: "Welcome to the era of precision medicine."
Why was Enigma Genomics established?
Enigma Genomics began as a concept in 2019 to reduce the spread of genetic diseases in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East in a simplified manner, different from traditional testing methods. The process starts with the convenience of home testing using a saliva sample, followed by conducting all testing procedures at its headquarters in Dammam, at the heart of Saudi Arabia, ensuring the security of individuals' genetic data. It also offers remote consultations with experienced genetic specialists, and concludes with the delivery of a comprehensive and detailed report with the test results and necessary recommendations electronically. Enigma transformed from an idea into a fully licensed center by the Saudi Ministry of Health in 2022.
Your health journey starts from here!
Enigma Genomics offers comprehensive genetic testing packages covering every crucial step in your life journey, starting from pre-marital and pregnancy stages, continuing through to embryos, newborns, and older children, and finally, the elderly.
Some of Enigma's notable genetic tests include:
Premarital Genetic Screening
Enigma Genomics’ premarital genetic screening covers over 550 genetic disorders, which either one or both partners might carry, increasing the likelihood of passing them on to future children. Key disorders include muscular dystrophy, cardiomyopathy, hereditary blood diseases (such as sickle cell anemia, alpha and beta thalassemia, and hemophilia), Alport syndrome, Fanconi anemia, and more.
Whole Exome Sequencing:
The Whole Exome Sequencing covers 20,000 genes related to over 7,000 genetic diseases, such as infertility, genetic conditions causing delayed conception, recurrent miscarriages, obesity, autism, learning disabilities, mental health disorders like dementia and psychiatric diseases, high cholesterol, genetic kidney disorders, congenital malformations, and more.
Whole Genome Sequencing
More extensive than exome sequencing, Whole Genome sequencing screens for all possible genetic disorders (over 7,500), such as hereditary diabetes, heart diseases, cancer, congenital malformations, disabilities of all kinds (mental and physical), rare genetic diseases (such as metabolic disorders, xeroderma pigmentosum, and Huntington’s disease), and hereditary eye disorders, among others.
Comprehensive Cancer Panel
The Comprehensive Cancer Panel tests for over 170 genes linked to cancer to determine the risk of developing one or more types of cancer, including breast cancer, colorectal cancer, skin cancer, brain cancer, leukemia, childhood cancers, and more, aiding in early diagnosis and prevention. It also helps doctors select the most appropriate treatment for cancer patients based on the specific genetic mutation causing the cancer. Additionally, it assists cancer survivors in detecting any other genetic changes that could potentially lead to cancer recurrence, allowing for early prevention.
Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT)
With NIPT, it’s possible to determine the baby’s gender and screen for genetic syndromes like Down syndrome, Patau syndrome, and Edwards syndrome as early as the tenth week of pregnancy through a simple blood sample from the mother, which contains some fetal DNA.
Enigma Genomics also offers specific genetic screening packages to detect genetic changes related to particular hereditary conditions, such as packages for hereditary retinal diseases, autism and learning disabilities, hereditary heart diseases, and hereditary obesity.
Genetic Counseling services
Enigma Genomics provides remote genetic counseling services worldwide, offering guidance on appropriate actions and recommending the most comprehensive genetic tests based on your and your family’s health information. Genetic counseling also helps determine the recurrence risk of genetic diseases, such as cancer and autism, within the family based on the degree of kinship. Genetic specialists don’t just assist before the test but also help you understand the test results, offer necessary recommendations, and provide psychological support.
How does your DNA turn into a detailed and comprehensive results report?
Enigma Genomics relies on a saliva sample for its tests, which can be taken from the comfort of your home, whether you are in Saudi Arabia or abroad. The process starts with shipping a saliva collection kit to your home, along with instructions for sample collection and shipping back to the center. You will also find a QR code inside the kit that links to an instructional video explaining the process. Additionally, Enigma Genomics support team is available to assist you step-by-step through the testing process. The saliva collection tube contains a preservative to ensure the sample remains intact until it reaches Enigma Genomics for analysis.
Saliva samples are a convenient and accessible option for all ages, requiring no special expertise to collect and eliminating the need to visit a lab. They offer a cost-effective, time-saving alternative to blood samples, which require more complex handling and shipping processes—saliva collection is 5 times more efficient in this regard. The only requirement is to refrain from eating, drinking, or smoking for 30 minutes before providing the sample, as outlined in the sample collection guide. For those who prefer, Enigma also offers genetic testing using blood samples, with home blood collection services available anywhere in the Kingdom.
Once the sample reaches Enigma Genomics lab in Saudi Arabia, the DNA extraction process begins under the care of a skilled team of lab specialists. Using advanced technology, the DNA is processed and converted into data that can be analyzed using the latest AI and genetic screening tools. This allows for the detection of any genetic variations that may lead to future hereditary diseases with high accuracy. Finally, the results are compiled into a comprehensive and detailed report that includes recommendations for prevention and treatment, which are explained to you during a virtual consultation with Enigma Genomics’ team of expert genetic specialists.
Enigma Genomics Milestones
As part of its commitment to providing top-quality medical services and in alignment with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2023 for developing the healthcare sector, Enigma received dual accreditations. In early 2024, Enigma was accredited by both the College of American Pathologists (CAP) and the Saudi Central Board for Accreditation of Healthcare Institutions (CBAHI). These accreditations underscore the Enigma Genomics' excellence in delivering high-quality services to both individuals and healthcare providers, ensuring the qualifications of its staff, the quality control of its equipment and technologies, and the accuracy of its genetic testing results. These milestones further strengthen Enigma's position as a leader in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East.