Overview

Genetidoc Genetic Clinic and DNA Testing Lab released the GDGrade™ White Paper v2.0 on 20 October 2026, establishing a six‑pillar quality standard that applies to every genetic test it offers. The standard mandates that each test meets defined criteria for the right test, right processing, right analysis, right interpretation, right communication, and right action, with the ultimate goal of informing patient care, family choices, or physician decisions.

GDGrade™ Six‑Pillar Standard

The GDGrade™ framework sets measurable benchmarks, including a mean sequencing depth exceeding 100× for exomes and germline panels, gene‑by‑gene coverage checks for patient‑relevant genes, and mandatory confirmation of critical findings by an independent method before clinical decisions are made. All tests are performed in partnership with NABL and CAP accredited laboratories, and each report is signed off by a Clinical Geneticist.

Internal Review Findings

Genetidoc’s clinical genetics team retrospectively examined 100 cases received between August 2025 and August 2026 that required clarification of an external report. Each case was evaluated by a genome analyst, a bioinformatician, a genetic counsellor, and a Clinical Geneticist, reaching consensus decisions. The review resulted in a meaningful change in care for 27 of the 100 cases (27%). Of these 27 changes, 14 were traced to deficiencies in the outside test or report itself, while 13 stemmed from gaps elsewhere in the pathway such as inappropriate test choice, missing confirmation, or inadequate result explanation. Specifically, five changes uncovered a missed diagnosis and three corrected a tumour‑related report. The remaining 73 cases confirmed the original result and care plan.

Impact on Families – Illustrative Cases

  • A newborn had died and the family was told a vaccine was responsible; the initial exome could not read mitochondrial DNA. Adding a mitochondrial test identified the true genetic cause, enabling the family to plan future pregnancies with accurate information.
  • A woman was advised she carried a pathogenic variant in a breast‑cancer gene based on only six sequencing reads. An independent test on a fresh sample disproved the variant, sparing her from unnecessary surgery.

Counselling and Physician Support

Every GDGrade™ test includes free pre‑test counselling, selection of the test based on the clinical question rather than size or price, and interpretation signed by a Clinical Geneticist. After results, families receive a post‑test consultation, a written counselling note, and letters for at‑risk relatives. Referring doctors can discuss test choice before ordering and receive alerts if an ordered test may not answer the clinical question. Genetidoc also offers a “second look” service for external reports, providing raw‑data reanalysis, coverage checks, variant re‑evaluation, and confirmation testing; an urgent newborn case received a reanalysis report within 24 hours.

Founder’s Statement

Dr Roshan Daniel, Clinical Geneticist and Founder of Genetidoc, stated that the GDGrade™ standards have been applied since the company’s inception in 2025 and that the white paper fully documents these standards and the case‑review findings. He emphasized that a genetic report is only as reliable as the weakest step in the testing pathway and that GDGrade™ will be continuously updated as more cases are reviewed.

About Genetidoc

Genetidoc Private Limited is India’s largest network of online genetics specialists, founded by Dr Roshan Daniel. It operates a panel of more than 17 Clinical Geneticists across 12 states, offering services in over 15 languages. The platform provides online consultations, genetic counselling, and DNA testing for prenatal, paediatric, reproductive, oncological, metabolic, and adult‑onset conditions, with pan‑India sample collection. All testing is processed through NABL and CAP accredited partner laboratories, with interpretation and reporting performed by Genetidoc’s own specialists. The company holds ISO 9001:2015 certification, and GDGrade™ and Genetidoc are trademarks of Genetidoc Private Limited.