Avera Institute for Human Genetics
Avera Institute for Human Genetics has been forward-looking since opening its doors in 2006. This strong history of excellence has brought us to lead the way with a large twin registry bank — the first and only in South Dakota — and precision medicine breakthroughs.
As a human molecular genetics laboratory, we have the capability to undertake a wide range of clinical and research projects using advanced technology including:
- Behavioral and cancer genetic studies
- Biobanking
- Personalized medicine
- Tumor registries
- Twin research
By advancing science through numerous partnerships and collaborations – both nationally and internationally – AIHG is already improving the care provided to Avera patients and communities while continuing to advance science and medicine.
Avera Twin Register
The Avera Institute for Human Genetics is home to the first and only twin register in South Dakota. Twin research is the most powerful way to learn how much of a certain trait is related to genetics and how much is related to environment. Learn more and join the Avera Twin Register.
Since 2009, AIHG has also partnered with the world’s leading twin register, the Netherlands Twin Register at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU). With the launch of our twin register in 2016, we collect and analyze DNA from twins throughout the Midwest and the Netherlands to provide insight about traits and diseases specific to each region.
GeneFolio
AIHG’s innovative approach to pharmacogenomics has led to the development of GeneFolio. This personalized medicine test uses an individual’s unique DNA to analyze how that individual will respond to medications. It’s available to patients throughout the Avera region.
Current projects utilize pharmacogenomics for pain management, cardiovascular disease and behavioral health conditions, including depression and anxiety.
Advanced Technology for Genetic Research
With the latest in technology, experts at AIHG have the capability to undertake a wide range of projects from small-scale pilot next generation sequencing projects to large-scale high throughput genome-wide association studies on tens of thousands of samples.
The AIHG scientific lab enables researchers to describe a patient's genetic profile using innovative genetics technology, such as the:
- Illumina iScan Beadchip Array platform
- Illumina Next Generation Sequencers
- QuantStudio and Viia7 Real-Time PCR Systems from Thermo Fisher Scientific