Exploring the genetics diagnostic and testing laboratory in both the human and animal market
Unistel Medical Laboratories (Pty) Ltd. was established on 1 November 1999. “The goal was to create a “one-stop” centre for genetic testing services required in private medicine. Such services were to be offered on a competitive, viable fee-for-service basis and at world standards. The profits generated could financially assist targeted academic research. With the support of the late Prof Christo Viljoen who was a deputy vice chancellor at Stellenbosch University at the time and who shared the founder, Dr Marx’s vision, the University commercialised all the diagnostic and testing services offered by the then-academic Department of Human Genetics,” explains Leonora Theart, CEO of Unistel Medical Laboratories (Pty) Ltd.
For the past 24 years, Unistel has been providing a reliable service of the highest standards and has established itself as a household name in the industry. “We leave no stone unturned to provide our customers with excellent service,” says Theart.
Greatest asset: the winning team
“The company’s human capital is its greatest asset. Without dedicated, motivated staff the business cannot be successful. Recognition of work well done is most important. We are privileged to have an extremely dedicated staff corps,” continues Theart. “Ethics beyond reproach. Uncompromising integrity, respect and trust. That is the values and aspirations that drive us as a company.”
Technology for accurate diagnosis
Unistel Medical Laboratories (UML) offers a complete genetic testing service to physicians, patients, and clients. The company conducts between 10 000 and 15 000 genetic diagnostic tests per month. These tests entail DNA profiling for forensic and paternity testing among people and stud animals as well chromosome and DNA analyses for the diagnosis of single gene defects and chromosome abnormality. UML focuses on microarray technology which enables up to 9 600 genetic abnormalities on one slide. This enables doctors to process large amounts of data to obtain a more accurate diagnosis.
Partnerships and Collaborations:
As a shareholder, we have enjoyed the support of Stellenbosch University and Innovus throughout the years.
Highlights and challenges along the way
In 2019, the business moved from the SU Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences to its current premises in Parow-North. “The move was made without any financial assistance and needed to happen with no interruption in service provision,” says Theart. Providing a competitive financially viable service in an ever-increasing competitive market, is challenging, yet rewarding.
With that said, increasing its service offerings in the human genetics market and becoming an industry leader in the animal genetics market, have been some of the many highlights over the past few years for the company.
Reach out here:
Website: www.unistelmedical.co.za
Email: info@unistelmedical.co.za