NEW YORK ─ Five genomics companies and laboratories announced on Tuesday an alliance to raise awareness and utilization of genomic testing in cardiology.
The CardioGenomic Testing Alliance comprises Illumina, Fulgent Genetics, Invitae, GeneDx, and PerkinElmer Genomics and intends to inform healthcare providers and other stakeholders of the value of genomic testing in cardiology to assure adherence to professional medical society guidelines, inform medical management and cascade testing, and improve clinical outcomes, CGTA said.
Genomic testing in cardiology can identify those at risk for specific cardiac conditions, such as arrhythmias, cardiomyopathies, and congenital heart malformations, but utilization and awareness of such testing remains low despite evidence and major professional society recommendations, CGTA added.
Working with key stakeholders, CGTA aims to identify logistical barriers to testing and develop educational resources to address these barriers for providers and the public.
According to CGTA's website, organizations fitting its criteria for membership include genomics companies with technologies that can identify genetic susceptibility to cardiac disease; laboratories that provide genetic testing for cardiovascular disorders; and digital health companies that provide services that aid in genetic testing for cardiovascular disorders.