Family Variant Classification Test
The University of Washington is offering a clinical, patient-driven Family Variant Classification Test modeled after the FindMyVariant research study.
To order this test, please contact the Family Variant Classification Test genetic counselor and request a consultation:
- Ginger Tsai, M.S., L.C.G.C.
- (206) 598-6807
- findmyvariant@uw.edu
The Family Variant Classification Test is designed for individuals who have a clinically identified variant of uncertain significance (VUS). The goal of the test is to assist individuals by using several strategies to find information about variants using family data. The test will identify the presence or absence of a specific genetic variants in a patient’s relatives by next-generation sequencing. Approximately 50% of the time, if sufficient data from the family is collected, the test finds enough information to provide reclassification of the variant.
Family Variant Classification Test Process
The Family Variant Classification Test can be ordered by a health care provider after confirmatory variant testing on a patient has been completed. There is a flat fee for confirmatory testing and a separate flat fee for family testing. Both are billed to the patient. The fee for family testing includes germline testing for all relatives, splice studies and tumor mutation analysis if indicated, and cosegregation analysis of the variant. There is no limit to the number of relatives who can be tested.
Patients are responsible for contacting their own relatives to inform them of the test. Relatives who agree to be tested will be sent saliva sample collection kits with return postage if they live in the United States. Relatives do not receive any additional charges for testing. A relative must have a >10% chance of sharing the variant with the patient, must be 18 years of age or over, and must be able to read, write, and speak English or Spanish. Exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis.
The Family Variant Classification Test can be ordered for patients with VUS in the following hereditary cancer genes: APC, ATM, BARD1, BMPR1A, BRCA1, BRCA2, BRIP1, CDH1, CDK4, CDKN2A, CHEK2, EPCAM, FANCM, FH, FLCN, MEN1, MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, MUTYH, NBN, PALB2, PMS2, POLD1, POLE, PTEN, RAD51C, RAD51D, SMAD4, SMARCA4, TP53. Exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Family testing is provided as follow-up to patients who received a VUS from the University of Washington BROCA or ColoSeqTM genetic testing panels at no additional charge. Patients who are interested in family testing must contact the Family Variant Classification Test genetic counselor to begin the family testing process.
If you have questions, concerns, or comments, please contact the Family Variant Classification test genetic counselor:
- Ginger Tsai, M.S., L.C.G.C.
- (206) 598-6807
- findmyvariant@uw.edu