Analysis of the provision of molecular genetic testing for long qt syndrome by the BC Molecular Genetics Laboratory

This report was conducted in response to a request by Dr. Brett Casey, Program Director of the BC Molecular Genetics Laboratory (MGL), to examine the feasibility of offering a test for the Long QT syndrome (LQTS). LQTS is a cardiac disease affecting approximately 1/2500 people. Presently, the MGL is facing a number of budgetary, administrative, and operational challenges. In addition to the importance of providing this test to the patients within BC, it is Dr. Casey’s hope that by providing this test as a service the revenue could be used to fund some of the challenges facing MGL. Currently, genetic testing for LQTS is only available through a private corporation in the United States. The authors establish the clinical case for LQTS testing, confirm the MGL’s ability to offer the service, and consider whether providing the testing as a service is appropriate or possible in a broader environmental context.