Jefferson Health offers genetic testing to 30K employees

Philadelphia-based Jefferson Health is offering its 30,000 employees the option to enroll in free genetic testing through a collaboration with DNA sequencing firm Color Genomics, Fortune reports.

More than 4,000 employees have enrolled in the optional program, which uses a saliva test to analyze 30 cancer risk genes, 30 genes associated with hereditary heart conditions and 14 genes that determine how the body processes prescription medication to inform dosing decisions.

Employees then have the option to discuss the results of their tests with one of Color Genomics' board-certified genetic counselors or to consult with a board-certified cancer genetic expert at the Philadelphia-based Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center of the Thomas Jefferson University, a Jefferson Health executive told Fortune. The individual added that both consultations are free of charge.

Stephen Klasko, MD, president of Thomas Jefferson University and CEO of Jefferson Health, told the publication genetic counseling is becoming increasingly important for those who seek to use online genetic tests, as patients may be overwhelmed or confused by their results.  

"Jefferson has an almost 200-year-old history. In using our tested knowledge while thinking like a startup company by partnering with a cutting-edge genomics company, we can unlock the key to personalizing healthcare in a way that patients can make informed decisions," Dr. Klasko said in a statement obtained by Fortune.

To access the full report, click here.

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