NEW YORK (GenomeWeb) – Researchers affiliated with the University of Antwerp and Antwerp University Hospital have partnered with molecular diagnostics firm Multiplicom to develop a test to help identify individuals at risk for sudden cardiac death.
The test called PED MASTR is already being used at the center of medical genetics at the university and university hospital and will be fully launched in September.
SCD affects about one in every 1,000 people, with heart rhythm abnormalities associated with the condition difficult to detect. The PED MASTR test allows for the rapid analysis of genes involved in SCD-causing mutations, the partners said, adding that family members of affected individuals have a 50-50 chance of inheriting the same genetic predisposition for developing cardiac disease.
PED MASTR comprises 51 genes, allowing physicians to identify all genetic mutations for SCD simultaneously, and then to prescribe appropriate treatments, Multiplicom CEO Dirk Pollet said in a statement.