Innovative saliva test launches in Israel to screen for dozens of hereditary diseases

Mor Institute has introduced a comprehensive, saliva-based genetic test in Israel, designed for healthy adults aged 18 and above. This preventive screening analyzes 173 genes to identify genetic predispositions to a wide spectrum of medically significant diseases. The institute aims to empower individuals and their physicians to detect potential health risks before symptoms manifest, paving the way for more personalized medical surveillance, prevention strategies, and targeted treatments.

The test covers genetic markers for numerous hereditary conditions. Among these are various cancers, including breast, ovarian (BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations), prostate, colorectal, pancreatic, melanoma, uterine, urinary tract, and gastrointestinal cancers. It also screens for genetic links to cardiovascular diseases, elevated blood lipid levels, clotting disorders, iron and copper storage issues, and monogenic diabetes, a single-gene form of diabetes that may require different medical approaches than common diabetes.

Mor Institute stated that the genes included in the test are designated as medically significant by the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics for early detection. The process involves collecting a saliva swab at Mor Institute, followed by advanced genetic sequencing. Clinical interpretation is conducted at the Genomic Center Laboratory at Beilinson Hospital by a team of bioinformaticians and medical geneticists.

Results from the test can guide physicians in recommending precise follow-up care. For instance, individuals identified with a genetic predisposition to colorectal cancer might be advised to undergo more frequent colonoscopies for early lesion detection. In other cases, findings could lead to simpler preventive measures, such as advising individuals with a clotting predisposition to avoid smoking or to remain active during long flights. Yoram Segal, CEO of Mor, highlighted the test as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for people in Israel to embrace personalized medicine.

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As Israel’s leading healthcare center network, we are pleased to offer people in Israel an innovative and comprehensive genetic test that only needs to be performed once in a lifetime.