NEW YORK (GenomeWeb) – NorthShore University HealthSystem and genetic testing firm Color said today that they have entered a partnership to spearhead the delivery of genomic testing as part of routine primary care at a population scale.
Called "DNA10K," the initiative intends to provide more than 10,000 patients with access to Color's clinical-grade genetic testing and whole genome sequencing, which provides information about the risk of certain hereditary conditions like cancers and heart disease. According to NorthShore, the resulting information could provide the patients with opportunities for personalize care and disease prevention, as well as to hopefully improve their treatment outcomes and overall health.
DNA 10K is an expansion of a prior "successful" pilot program between Color and NorthShore, during which more than 1,000 patients signed up for the Color population health program as a part of their primary care visit in less than two months, the partners said. This represented an adoption rate of more than 40 percent of eligible patients, "significantly beating expectations," they added.
Under the newly expanded effort, NorthShore patients who elect to participate will provide a blood sample, which Color will analyze in its CLIA-certified, CAP-accredited lab, returning results to healthcare providers and their patients. In addition to engaging with their NorthShore primary care providers, patients will also have access to board-certified genetic counselors and clinical pharmacists from both Color and NorthShore, who will be able to "help interpret test results and develop personalized risk and screening guidelines," the collaborators said.