Myriad Genetic Testing Process (Steps)

GENETIC TESTING for HEREDITARY CANCER SYNDROMES Resource Guide

Myriad has developed a tool to guide healthcare providers through the testing process. These "RISK folders" can be obtained through your local representative.

Step 1 — High-Risk Patient Identification: In order to assist physicians in identifying high-risk patients, Myriad has developed a Red Flags Post-it Note (pdf) for hereditary cancers. Use this post-it to mark your high-risk patients' charts. At-risk candidates are then scheduled for a cancer risk assessment.

Step 2 — Risk Assessment: Myriad has developed a family history questionnaire for hereditary cancers. This questionnaire allows you to identify family history characteristics that are suggestive of a hereditary cancer risk.

Step 3 —Patient Education and Informed Consent: Pre-test education is provided by the healthcare provider using the Patient Education Tool and the Informed Consent Form (pdf). The Hereditary Cancer Education and Testing Process Checklist (pdf) is a simple form that can be used to monitor each patient through the process.

Step 4 — Genetic Testing: Specimen Collection and Transportation Kits (specific for BRACAnalysis^®, COLARIS^®, COLARIS AP^®, and MELARIS^®) may be obtained from Myriad's Customer Service Department (800) 469-7423, option "0." The kit contains the following items:

Protective case for vacutainer tube

10 mL EDTA vacutainer tube(s) (lavender top)

Plastic seal-top bag

Preaddressed overnight envelope and prepaid air bill

Specimen collection, handling and shipping instructions

An Informed Consent Form

A Test Request Form

Information on Myriad's billing policy and Myriad's Reimbursement Assistance Program

For a Test Submission Checklist click here (pdf).

Myriad Genetic Laboratories accepts Medicare members. For Instructions and Documentation Requirements for Medicare Patients, click here (pdf).

Step 5 — Test Results: Myriad mails all test results with the interpretation report to the ordering physician or to her or his designee. This report states whether a mutation was detected, and, if so, the specific mutation identified with its clinical interpretation. If an uncertain variant is detected, a Myriad medical professional will contact the physician by telephone to discuss the result the first time he or she receives this result.

Step 6 — Test Results Disclosure: To prepare for the patient's results disclosure appointment, the Cancer Risk Educator and physician should review test results in the context of the family history to determine the impact of the results on the patient's cancer risk and subsequent medical management. A copy of the test result should be provided to the patient. At this follow up appointment, the patient meets with the Cancer Risk Educator and/or physician to discuss the test results and specialist referral information if appropriate.

Family Notification: Patients who test positive for deleterious genetic mutations may want to contact their relatives and notify them of the genetic trait. Myriad can provide assistance to out-of-state relatives by locating a healthcare provider in their area that offers genetic testing.

Post-test education is available using the Results Patient Education Tools.

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