How are we using Advanced Genomics?
Nicklaus Children's Hospital is one of the first hospitals in the country to pilot whole genome sequencing (WGS) as a new standard of care. Nicklaus Children's is proud to partner with Rady Children's Institute of Genomic Medicine to offer WGS to children where traditional genetic testing may not yield an answer. Many families have benefitted from the diagnostic power of WGS, which can often yield answers for some of our most medically complex cases.
How is WGS performed?
The human genome contains approximately 30,000 genes. WGS analyzes the entire genome and identifies variants that are more likely to be associated with a child's condition. Scientists at Rady Children's then interpret this data, comparing variants to those that have been identified in scientific literature that may explain the child's illness. Our multi-disciplinary clinical team is able to use these clinical results to determine potential changes in medical treatment, offering a tailored care approach for each patient.
Who can benefit from WGS?
WGS is being used in two settings at Nicklaus Children's. We are one of the few hospitals in the country to offer rapid WGS (rWGS). rWGS is an accelerated test, yielding clinical results in as little as 72 hours, depending on the case. This select test is offered in our three intensive care units (neonatal, pediatric, and cardiac) for critically ill children, a population for a fast answer may be crucial for medical management.
WGS is also offered in our outpatient genetics clinic for children that have received previous genetic testing, without definitive answers that may explain their condition. These are often described as being on a diagnostic odyssey. For these patients, WGS can provide long sought answers for a child and their family. Our videos below describe more how WGS is being used in different patient care settings at Nicklaus Children's.
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