By Chioma Obinna

As Nigeria continues to grapple with a surge in paternity disputes, scientists say Sanger sequencing via Capillary Electrophoresis (CE, a DNA testing method, remains the global gold standard for paternity testing as it offers families clarity and peace of mind.

The experts maintained that despite the emergence of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS), experts emphasised CE’s unparalleled precision, accuracy, affordability, and established track record.

Speaking to journalists in Lagos, Dr. Emeka Obiodunukwe, the CEO of DemyHealth, a prominent genomic centre, said, “CE has been the bedrock of DNA analysis for decades, offering unmatched reliability in genetic comparisons.”

He said by focusing on 15-27 highly variable STRs, CE achieves greater than 99.99 per cent accuracy, making it the trusted choice for legal and personal paternity cases.

The United States National Library of Medicine (NLM), a leading authority in biomedical information, has affirmed Sanger sequencing’s pivotal role in DNA analysis. NLM said that despite more advanced methods, Sanger sequencing, developed by Frederick Sanger, remains the gold standard due to its reliability.

They further explained its significance in medicine, emphasising its precision, dependability, and capacity to sequence minute quantities of DNA, making it ideal for Short Tandem Repeat (STR) analysis, crucial for human identification and paternity testing.

Obiodunukwe contrasts CE with NGS, highlighting CE’s “precise outcomes within a shorter timeframe and simpler analysis.

He argued that NGS, while valuable for complex genomic studies, is often unnecessary and overly complex for routine paternity testing.

“CE does the job impeccably and remains the standard by which others, including NGS itself, are measured.”

He said that in Nigeria’s evolving landscape of DNA testing, where unregulated centres abound, DemyHealth prioritises transparency and ethical practices.

“We encourage clients to inquire about our methodologies.  Our goal is to help people make informed decisions, ensuring they trust the technology and the people behind it,” he added.

Speaking, a Senior Molecular Biologist at DemyHealth, Ms. Hajarat Abilo Alfa, underscored CE’s suitability for paternity testing.

She said: “CE generates reliable and highly accurate sequencing data, perfectly suited for establishing familial relationships.  NGS is better suited for complex genetic cases, such as identifying hereditary disorders.”

Alfa, in her presentation on why CE is still the choice for many, pointed out that CE remains more than sufficient, whereas NGS is more suitable for complex genetic cases, such as identifying hereditary disorders.

She said, “DemyHealth has emerged as a beacon of affordability and efficiency in DNA testing across Nigeria. With its flat rate of ₦190,000 for paternity tests, the center ensures families can access reliable testing without breaking the bank. Beyond paternity testing, DemyHealth provides sequencing services for researchers at ₦46,000 per sample and offers comprehensive diagnostic services such as HPV DNA for cervical cancer, viral load tests, and many more, maintaining its reputation as a leader in genomic healthcare. With our competitive pricing and expedited turnaround times, clients can resolve paternity questions swiftly, giving them peace of mind and certainty when they need it most,” she stated.

Corroborating their views, the Head of the Molecular Diagnostic Unit/Operations at the Centre, Mr. Ali Kasiemobi Casmir, also stated that DemyHealth offers comprehensive DNA testing services, including paternity testing, at a flat rate of ₦190,000, the lowest price across the nation. “Not only does the centre guarantee affordability, but it also boasts the shortest turnaround time for results, making it the preferred option for many Nigerians navigating sensitive familial questions,” Casmir added.

Casmir further explained that “unlike facilities experimenting paternity testing via NGS technology and trying to navigate complex and uncharted territories thereby facing challenges of reliability, higher fees with extended timelines, DemyHealth’s use of CE for paternity testing offers rapid and dependable outcomes without sacrificing precision while we reserve NGS for testing complex genomic variants for disease identification and not paternity testing.”

The experts maintained that CE will likely remain the preferred method for paternity testing in the immediate future, adding that with its perfect balance of cost, speed, and accuracy, it is a testament to the principle of using the right tool for the job.