Sickle Cell Foundation of Nigeria

Advancing Genetic Diagnostics in Nigeria

The Molecular Laboratory at the Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria (SCFN) is a centre of excellence in genetic testing, transplant support, and biomedical research. Prenatal diagnosis services began in 1993, the Prenatal Diagnosis Unit launched in 2010, and by 2012, the fully equipped Molecular Laboratory was established to expand testing and research capabilities.

Scientist using microscopy tools in the molecular laboratory.

Why It Matters

Access to timely prenatal diagnosis and precise transplant testing empowers families, improves clinical outcomes, and drives innovation. By integrating diagnostics, transplant support, and research, our Molecular Laboratory strengthens SCFN's mission to prevent, treat, and cure sickle cell disorder while advancing scientific knowledge in Nigeria.

Specialized molecular sample handling during diagnostic processing.

Molecular Diagnostics Unit

We provide specialized genetic testing for sickle cell disorder and other inherited conditions. Key services include:

Prenatal Diagnosis (PND) via Chorionic Villus Sampling to determine fetal haemoglobin genotypes (HbA, HbAS, HbS, HbC, HbD, HbG), fetal gender, and twin relationships. Results are delivered in three working days, with over 3,568 procedures conducted at a 99% success rate.
HLA Typing for donor-recipient matching in bone marrow or stem cell transplants.
Chimerism Testing to monitor transplant success post procedure.

Lab specialist executing molecular diagnostics workflow.

Research & Development Unit

Supports innovation in molecular biology with:

NanoDrop Analysis for DNA, RNA, and proteins.
Biobanking for biological samples, reagents, and biomolecules.
Research Access with bench space and instruments for collaborative studies in genomics and transcriptomics.

Research scientist conducting genomic sample preparation.