Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us

Download Mobile App




Ultrarapid Whole Genome Sequencing for Neonatal and Pediatric Patients Delivers Results In 48 Hours

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 14 Jul 2025

Genetic diseases are the leading identifiable cause of infant mortality, and early diagnosis is crucial to improve patient outcomes. More...

In the neonatal and pediatric intensive care units (NICU and PICU), genetic disorders affect up to 25% of patients, but less than 5% of these patients receive genetic testing. For each baby who does not receive a genetic diagnosis, their stay in the NICU is typically 15 to 20 days longer. This delay in diagnosis not only impacts the care of the child but also increases healthcare costs significantly. The availability of faster, more accurate genomic testing could potentially reduce these delays, shorten hospital stays, and lead to more effective treatment strategies. To address this gap, a new ultra-rapid genome sequencing test has been developed to deliver faster and more comprehensive genomic insights in as little as two days.

GeneDx (Stamford, CT, USA) has created ultraRapid Whole Genome Sequencing, an accelerated genomic testing platform designed to provide faster, clinically actionable results for critically ill neonatal and pediatric patients in the NICU and PICU. This technology leverages the company’s advanced sequencing and automation capabilities, honed from sequencing over 750,000 exomes and genomes. By optimizing lab processes, the ultraRapid test enables efficient sequencing, analysis, and interpretation of genetic data, making it possible to deliver results much more quickly than traditional genetic tests. The ultraRapid genome test is designed to offer insights on genetic disorders within just two days, dramatically reducing the time to diagnosis and facilitating earlier clinical decision-making.

The ultraRapid genome test has been validated through extensive use and data from GeneDx’s platform. With this new approach, the test has been proven to reduce unnecessary treatments, shorten hospital stays, and generate significant healthcare savings, estimated at over $15,000 per patient who receives genome sequencing. This faster approach to genomic testing is expected to drive greater adoption of genetic testing in neonatal and pediatric care, offering improved clinical management for more than 60% of critically ill infants. In addition to shortening the diagnostic odyssey, GeneDx plans to expand access to this testing through its integration with health systems like Epic Aura, making it easier for clinicians to offer this test to a broader group of patients.

“Offering an ultraRapid genome is a testament to GeneDx’s commitment to shorten, and hopefully one day eliminate, the diagnostic odyssey for patients and their families,” said Paul Kruszka, MD, FACMG, Chief Medical Officer at GeneDx. “GeneDx’s ultraRapid genome will deliver critical information to patients, providers, and families at times when they need it most."

Related Links:
GeneDx


Gold Member
Antipsychotic TDM Assays
Saladax Antipsychotic Assays
POC Helicobacter Pylori Test Kit
Hepy Urease Test
New
Capillary Blood Collection Tube
IMPROMINI M3
New
Rapid Molecular Testing Device
FlashDetect Flash10
Read the full article by registering today, it's FREE! It's Free!
Register now for FREE to LabMedica.com and get access to news and events that shape the world of Clinical Laboratory Medicine.
  • Free digital version edition of LabMedica International sent by email on regular basis
  • Free print version of LabMedica International magazine (available only outside USA and Canada).
  • Free and unlimited access to back issues of LabMedica International in digital format
  • Free LabMedica International Newsletter sent every week containing the latest news
  • Free breaking news sent via email
  • Free access to Events Calendar
  • Free access to LinkXpress new product services
  • REGISTRATION IS FREE AND EASY!
Click here to Register








Channels

Hematology

view channel
Image: The microfluidic device for passive separation of platelet-rich plasma from whole blood (Photo courtesy of University of the Basque Country)

Portable and Disposable Device Obtains Platelet-Rich Plasma Without Complex Equipment

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) plays a crucial role in regenerative medicine due to its ability to accelerate healing and repair tissue. However, obtaining PRP traditionally requires expensive centrifugation... Read more

Immunology

view channel
Image: Prof. Nicholas Schwab has found a biomarker that can predict treatment outcome of glatirameracetate in MS patients (Photo courtesy of Uni MS - M. Ibrahim)

Simple Genetic Testing Could Predict Treatment Success in Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Multiple sclerosis (MS) patients starting therapy often face a choice between interferon beta and glatiramer acetate, two equally established and well-tolerated first-line treatments. Until now, the decision... Read more

Microbiology

view channel
Image: New diagnostics could predict a woman’s risk of a common sexually transmitted infection (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

New Markers Could Predict Risk of Severe Chlamydia Infection

Chlamydia trachomatis is a common sexually transmitted infection that can cause pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, and other reproductive complications when it spreads to the upper genital tract.... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2025 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.