Rapid Whole Genomic Sequencing

In 2019, OSF HealthCare Children’s Hospital of Illinois began collaborating with Rady Children’s Institute for Genomic Medicine on a two-year clinical trial to offer a more effective process for diagnosing and treating critically ill infants with unexplained illnesses. This process is called rapid whole genomic sequencing (rWGS).

rWGS is the most comprehensive and advanced genetic test available, and OSF Children’s Hospital has the only neonatal and pediatric intensive care units in Central Illinois that offer it. Just a few drops of blood are needed to scan a baby’s entire genetic code for disease-causing errors, and results are typically available in less than three days.

Compare this to traditional diagnostics, which only test a few genes at a time and can take weeks or months to yield results. For a baby with a rare disease, that long wait for answers can mean a multitude of tests, prolonged hospitalization and an emotional toll on the family.

rWGS has been shown to be a real game changer in caring for infants with genetic diseases that are difficult to diagnose. Providing early determination of a genetic condition can potentially lead to early treatment and prevention of lifelong disability or even death.  

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