Several leading genomics companies and laboratories, including Illumina, Fulgent Genetics, Invitae, GeneDx, and PerkinElmer Genomics, have formed the CardioGenomic Testing Alliance (CGTA), a collaborative group aimed at raising awareness and utilization of genomic testing in cardiology.

CGTA will inform healthcare providers and other stakeholders to the value of such testing to assure adherence to existing guidelines from professional medical societies, inform medical management and cascade testing, and improve clinical outcomes.

"The companies forming this coalition believe in extensive clinical utility of cardiogenomic testing. Their combined efforts to increase awareness and utilization of cardiogenomic testing will show the positive outcomes genetic testing can have on patients," says Melissa Dempsey, genetic counselor at Illumina and CGTA chairwoman.

Genomic testing in cardiology is a powerful tool that can identify those at-risk for specific cardiac conditions, such as arrhythmias, cardiomyopathies, and congenital heart malformations.

Despite evidence and major professional society recommendations, utilization and awareness of cardiogenomic testing remains low. CGTA will strive to inform healthcare providers about the current guidelines for the appropriate use of genetic testing in cardiology. Working with key stakeholders, CGTA will identify logistical barriers to testing and develop educational resources to address these barriers for providers and for the public.