King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSHRC) has successfully reduced the cost of Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) tests by 67% compared to previous technologies while increasing analytical capacity by fivefold, a KFSHRC press release said.
This accomplishment, driven by the integration of advanced technology into genetic testing services, will expand access to genetic testing for all hospital patients by 2030 and address the escalating demand throughout the Kingdom.
According to the release, the advanced technology, available in only a select few clinical genetic laboratories worldwide, enhances medical diagnostics by accurately identifying rare and complex genetic mutations. This precision enables the provision of advanced personalized care that better meets patient needs, “solidifying KFSHRC’s leadership” in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East for adopting the latest technologies in genomic medicine.
Reducing genetic testing costs goes beyond expanding beneficiaries; it also fosters early d
iagnosis and precise, personalized healthcare tailored to individual patient requirements. This testing ultimately lessens long-term medical burdens and reinforces KFSHRC’s commitment to advancing scientific research and pioneering advanced medical solutions.
This achievement is a testament to KFSHRC’s continuous efforts to build a healthcare system centered on prevention and early diagnosis, leveraging the latest genomic medicine technologies to ensure the highest standards of healthcare provision.
“King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre has been ranked first in the Middle East and Africa and 20th globally among the world’s top 250 Academic Medical Centers for the second consecutive year and recognized as the most valuable healthcare brand in the Kingdom and the Middle East, according to the 2024 Brand Finance rankings. Moreover, in the same year, KFSHRC was ranked among the world’s best 250 hospitals by Newsweek magazine,” the release read.
Source: Saudi Press Agency