Familial Variant Testing Policy

Baylor Genetics offers no-cost familial variant testing for up to two first-degree relatives when a pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant is found on Whole Exome Sequencing, Whole Genome Sequencing, or Next-Generation Sequencing Panels (excluding carrier screening and PreSeek™). Please see requirements below for details.

No-cost testing of a familial variant is offered within 180 days of the pathogenic / likely pathogenic variant(s) being reported in the proband. Reports will be issued to the ordering healthcare provider for the tested relatives.

Qualification Criteria:

  • The original patient has received testing at Baylor Genetics.
  • The family member is a first-degree relative of the proband.
  • The no-cost testing order and specimen are received within 180 days of the pathogenic / likely pathogenic variant(s) being reported in the proband.
  • Variants that qualify for no-cost testing must be single nucleotide variants (SNVs) or insertion and deletions (indels) within the nuclear genome.
  • The affected / unaffected status must be identified on the test requisition form for the first-degree relatives undergoing the no-cost testing.
  • Variants found in patients participating in existing sponsored testing programs may not qualify for no-cost testing.

Orders for no-cost familial variant testing must be placed under test code 1593 (Known Familial Variant).

Healthcare providers can discuss qualification criteria prior to sending samples for testing by calling 1-800-411-4363 or emailing [email protected].

DISCLAIMER

The criteria above represents the minimum requirements as other restrictions could apply. Copy number variants, mitochondrial variants, short tandem repeats, and other variant types do not qualify for no-cost testing under this policy. Prenatal familial variant testing does not qualify for no-cost testing under this policy. Baylor Genetics may change this policy in its discretion, without notice.