A recent New York Times article drew attention to the utility of a new genetic test called polygenic risk scores (PRS) as a tool for risk stratification and informing treatment to prevent heart attacks. This article highlights the growing role of genetics in healthcare, supported by studies that demonstrate the significant contribution of genetic testing  … Read more

In the rapidly advancing field of genomics, population-based screening for genetic conditions has gained significant attention from large, established healthcare organizations. Nearly ten years ago, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) designated three genetic disorders as Tier 1 for having strong evidence and notable potential to improve public health: Lynch syndrome, familial hypercholesterolemia  … Read more

Pharmacogenomics (PGx) continues to be an invaluable tool, critical to optimizing patient care and driving the field of precision medicine. By learning how an individual’s genes impact their health, physicians can make better-informed decisions on care. Several studies have highlighted the benefits of knowing gene variants — thus helping to determine who is and is  … Read more

The American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) fall meeting presents an opportunity for research leaders from around the globe to share the latest in innovative scientific content. In case you were unable to attend, we’ve summarized the groundbreaking insights on actionable genetic associations that Helix presented, in partnership with Renown Health and the Healthy Nevada  … Read more

In the past, it’s been difficult to determine with consistency whether or not a new or rare mutation in a gene actually causes a disease and has clinical impact, even if it is well known that the gene and the disease have a clear relationship. Some prior methods have tried to find clinically impactful regions  … Read more

With the rising popularity of wearable devices, more patients than ever are reporting self-diagnoses of atrial fibrillation to their doctors. Because early treatment of heart conditions can be critical in slowing their progression, identifying individuals in the early stages of heart failure may significantly improve their chances of delaying or preventing negative – or sometimes even  … Read more

Scientists at Helix continue to track COVID-19 and flu through our nationwide viral surveillance efforts and have been providing this information directly to our health system executives. We’ll be posting our latest insights more regularly here, in case the information may be helpful for other healthcare leaders in formulating response efforts.  Our Top 5 Insights  … Read more

In order to understand the underlying genetic health risks of their patient populations, more and more health systems are undertaking and utilizing population genomic screening approaches. These programs embark on the large-scale genetic screening of all-comer populations within a community that enables the use of actionable genomics insights at point of care. Evidence from these  … Read more