Laboratory Corporation of America® Holdings (LabCorp®) (NYSE: LH) today announced it has launched its clinical next generation sequencing assay, GeneSeq®: Cardio for genetic causes of familial cardiac disease.
Familial cardiac diseases are associated with up to 80% of cases of sudden cardiac death in young patients. Identification of individuals with pathogenic mutations in genes associated with cardiac disease may allow timely initiation of screening and treatment that may help prevent myocardial infarction, stroke, and sudden cardiac death.
"GeneSeq®: Cardio is a useful tool to identify individuals that may require regular cardiac screening, lifestyle changes, or clinical intervention to prevent the progression of cardiac disease and secondary complications," said Dr. Mark Brecher, LabCorp's Chief Medical Officer. "This assay complements our broad testing menu and enhanced reporting for cardiovascular disease."
"This next generation sequencing assay is a significant milestone, as LabCorp embraces new technologies and bioinformatics to further our ability to service patients and physicians," said David P. King, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "We will continue to launch next generation assays to provide the most comprehensive, cost-effective diagnostic tools for multiple disease states."