Molecular research, medical technology jobs open up at new NxGen Mdx laboratory at Clark Place

With the opening of its state-of-the-art laboratory in Grand Rapids' Clark Place, molecular research lab NxGen Mdx has openings for several medical technologists, with plans to bring on even more before the year is out.  

NxGen Mdx provides genetic carrier screening for pregnant mothers who may be at risk of passing genetic diseases such as cystic fibrosis (CF) to their unborn child. The laboratory works with OB/GYNs to test for CF, spinal muscular atrophy, Fragile X syndrome, 19 different Ashkenazi Jewish genetic diseases, and others.

The lab moved into 6,000 square feet of space at Clark Place, 801 Broadway NW, in American Seating Park, after getting its start in the medical research business incubator at Grand Valley State University's Cook DeVos Center for Health Sciences. The lab's testing method was developed by NxGen Mdx while at Cook DeVos.

All testing begins with a simple blood test to determine if an expectant mother is a carrier for a particular disease. If she is, then the father is tested. It takes a bad gene from each parent to affect a child, and that child has a one in four chance of having the disease. If both parents are carriers, NxGen Mdx can test the amniotic fluid of the unborn child, or do a blood test on a newborn, to determine if the child has the disease. Early detection means early treatment, which can positively affect the quality and longevity of the child's life.

"We sequence all the important parts of the gene and can detect even rare mutations of the gene," says Founder and President Alan Mack. "If we find something, we send the information to the physician, who can counsel their patient, or we can counsel the patient using our genetic counselors who walk the patient through the process of what the discovery means for them and their baby. Studies have shown that if you put a cystic fibrosis child on special therapies, they will live a longer, healthier life. A CF child's life expectancy is into their 20s, but with proper treatment, they can live into their 60s. And who's to say that in the next 10 years there isn't going to be a cure for CF?"

NxGen Mdx currently has one opening for a medical technologist. In February, there will be two more openings.

For more information on the genetic testing or the career opportunities, click here.

Writer: Deborah Johnson Wood, Development News Editor