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Parkway Laboratory Services -
First in Asia to launch revolutionary prenatal screening test for genetic abnormalities
DNA-based QF-PCR method provides rapid and effective prenatal diagnosis

Parkway Laboratory Services (PLS), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Parkway Holdings Ltd has developed a DNA-based method for the early detection of genetic abnormalities known as QF-PCR (Quantitative Flourescent ? Polymerase Chain Reaction). This new method is a cost effective alternative to the labour intensive culture technique. By cutting down reporting time from two weeks to just over a day (24 to 48 hours), this new method is a rapid and accurate way of diagnosing foetal genetic abnormalities and gives early assurance to pregnant women with normal test results.

This method uses a technique called Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), to multiply large quantities of specific sequences of DNA obtained from foetal cells. These amplified sequences can then be quantified by the state-of-the-art, fully automated and computer-controlled fluorescent capillary DNA sequencer. This will indicate whether or not certain chromosomes and missing or are extra, compared to normal (e.g. aneuploid states). The chromosomes examined account for 95% of all associated abnormalities seen, with Down?s Syndrome being the most frequent (Please refer to Annex A for more information on QF-PCR).

Available at S$150 per test, a fraction of the cost of conventional methods, QF-PCR is a cost effective and rapid alternative to the labour intensive culture, banding and highly skilled techniques. With the culturing method, results are typically available after 10 to 14 days. Compared to the Fluorescent In-Situ Hybridsation (FISH), another method for prenatal genetic diagnosis, QF-PCR has the following advantages:

It is cheaper.
It may detect maternal cell contamination.
It can concurrently be used for single gene analysis (available soon).
It can be amended when needed.
It is largely automated and therefore is potentially available to more patients.
On occasions, it may give more information than a full-culture analysis.

Commenting on the impact of QF-PCR, George Pusavat, General Manager of Parkway Laboratory Services said, "By speeding up the prenatal testing process, expectant mothers with normal results will receive prompt reassurance. Early detection of genetic abnormalities will also lead to better pregnancy management by healthcare professionals."

This is the first time this method is available in Asia, although it has been in the United Kingdom for around two years. Parkway Laboratory Services invested S$250,000 in a state of the art capillary DNA sequencer that is fully automated and computer controlled, and this is at the heart of the technique involved.

"In recent years, there has been a lot of exciting developments in the field of prenatal genetic diagnosis. By actively engaging in research and developing new products in this area, the Genetics department of PLS is positioning the Group prominently for the future", said Dr Lim Cheok Peng, Managing Director of Parkway Group Healthcare.

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About Parkway Group Healthcare (www.pgh.com.sg)
Parkway Group Healthcare is Asia's largest healthcare organisation with an extensive network of hospitals and integrated healthcare facilities in the region. It owns East Shore, Gleneagles and Mount Elizabeth Hospitals in Singapore and seven hospitals in the region. Parkway Group Healthcare is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Singapore-listed Parkway Holdings Limited.

About Parkway Laboratory Services Limited (www.parkwaylab.com.sg)
Parkway Laboratory Services Limited, a subsidiary of Parkway Holdings Limited, in one of the leading providers of diagnostic laboratory services in Singapore and the region. Its strategy for continued success is based on acquisition of new technologies and introduction of further automation into its laboratory services in order to maintain its competitiveness and leading edge in the industry. Growth comes from diversification into laboratory-related services.

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For more information or arrangements for one-to-one interviews, please contact:
Parkway Group Healthcare, Corporate Communications

April Lee

Chris Cheung

DID: 6720 0090

DID: 6720 0093

Fax: 67200089

Fax: 67200089

HP: 96724678

PG: 95261147

E-mail: aml_lee@gleneagles.com.sg

E-mail: cyl_cheung@gleneagles.com.sg

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Annex A

QF-PCR
(Quantitative Fluorescent Polymerase Chain Reaction)

What is QF-PCR?
This is a rapid prenatal screening test for genetic abnormalities and is now available in Asia. The new test detects major chromosome abnormalities involving 13,18, 21, X and Y.

Chromosome Abnormality
All living organisms are made up of cells. The body's genetic material is contained within the nucleus of each cell in the form of thread-like structures (consisting of deoxyribonucleic acid - DNA - and protein) called chromosomes. Genes are sections of DNA that carry information to determine either the structure or the function of a protein in the body.

In humans, each cell normally contains 23 pairs of chromosomes, for a total of 46 chromosomes. 22 of these pairs are called autosomes, where one member of each matching pair is derived from each parent. The 23rd pair is the sex chromosomes, which differ between males and females. Females have two copies of the X chromosome, while males have one X and one Y chromosome.

Chromosome abnormality is a result of a change in the number or structure of chromosomes. This will usually affect the instructions carried by the genes contained in the chromosomes, resulting in alteration in growth or development. The majority (95%) of chromosomal abnormalities are due to variation in number of chromosomes 21, 18, 13 and the X and Y.

How is QF-PCR conducted?
Foetal cells in amniotic fluid (5mL, above 16 weeks of gestation) are collected and treated to remove their DNA (other tissue of foetal origin, for example CVS, may also be used.). QF-PCR uses a technique called the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), to multiply large quantities of specific sequences of DNA obtained from foetal cells. These amplified sequences are then quantified by a state-of-the-art, fully automated and computer-controlled fluorescent capillary DNA sequencer that will indicate whether or not certain chromosomes are missing or are extra, compared to normal (i.e. aneuploid states).

For whom is QF-PCR most appropriate?
(Expectant mothers will be under the guidance of an antenatal team and they will advise her but in general):

Patients aged 35 years or above are those at a higher risk of having babies with a chromosome abnormality
Patients who have had a high triple test result
Patients with an abnormal ultrasound scan
Patients who are too anxious to await cell culture results
Patients with a known Robertsonian translocation such as 13/21
Patients with a previous Down's baby

(However, any expectant mother can also seek the guidance of her Obstetrician as to whether she too would benefit from this test).

When will the results be available?
Usually within 24-48 hours of the specimen being taken.

How accurate is QF-PCR?
The Genetics laboratory of PLS has completed a retrospective survey of 1115 specimens including Amniotic Fluid, CVS, Products of Conception and Blood. Based on this survey, QF-PCR was found to be 99.9% accurate.

But please note: Although this method of prenatal diagnosis is accurate, it should be remembered that it is designed only to detect the stated aneuploidies. It is not appropriate for the rare structural rearrangements.

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