Sunquest Information Systems Inc and Partners HealthCare Announce New Features to Advance Genome and Exome Genetic Testing

Sunquest Information Systems Inc. and Partners HealthCare today announced the general availability of a new version of GeneInsight, a genetic information solution, to extend the system’s report generation and knowledge management capabilities to exome and genome testing.

Developed at the Partners HealthCare Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, a CLIA-certified molecular diagnostic laboratory, the new version of GeneInsight provides variant annotation and filtration capabilities that enable laboratories to scale their clinical genetic testing programs. With this solution, end users can efficiently sort through large numbers of variants and identify those that require in-depth analysis. These features not only streamline the workflow process of genetic testing and reporting, but also bring a highly scalable infrastructure that will enable laboratories to build their own local genetic knowledgebase and overall capabilities.

“The new release of GeneInsight Laboratory allows us to better manage our use of exome sequencing in the Laboratory for Molecular Medicine.” Says Heidi Rehm PhD, Chief Laboratory Director, “It is imperative that labs have a robust way to store large variant data sets and quickly identify the most clinically-relevant patient variants.”

In 2014 Sunquest and Partners HealthCare announced a strategic alliance to accelerate genomic-based medicine through the collaborative development of the GeneInsight solution. GeneInsight has been in continuous clinical use since 2005. The latest version includes integration with Sunquest’s core lab, molecular and anatomic pathology solutions.

“Sunquest is thrilled to announce this new release that further advances us as the clear leader for genetics information systems.” says Matthew Hawkins, president of Sunquest Information Systems. “Precision medicine is a rapidly growing field for which we are committed to remaining on the leading edge. Through our collaboration with Partners, we can achieve that goal and make a meaningful impact on the effectiveness of laboratory medicine and how healthcare is delivered.”

Sunquest and GeneInsight will demonstrate the solution at the American Society of Human Genetics annual meeting, Oct. 6-9, 2015, in Baltimore, Md., in booth number 218/220 and at the Association for Molecular Pathology annual meeting, Nov. 5-7, 2015, in Austin, Texas, in booth number 1701.

About Sunquest Information Systems

Sunquest Information Systems Inc. provides diagnostic and laboratory information systems to more than 1,700 laboratories. For the past 30 years, Sunquest has delivered solutions that optimize financial results, enhance efficiency and improve the quality of patient care. The company’s pathology-focused mission, outreach awareness and point of care solutions establish Sunquest as a leader in the healthcare technology industry. Headquartered in Tucson, AZ, Sunquest also has offices in the United Kingdom and India.

About GeneInsight

GeneInsight, Inc. is an IT platform company focused on streamlining the analysis, interpretation, and reporting of complex genetic test results. GeneInsight Suite® was developed by Partners HealthCare in collaboration with leading geneticists, laboratory operations personnel, practicing physicians and IT professionals. GeneInsight has been in clinical use since 2005 and has supported the interpretation and reporting workflow for more than 35,000 clinical genetic tests across multiple diagnostic reference laboratories, including the Partners HealthCare Laboratory for Molecular Medicine. More information can be obtained athttp://www.geneinsight.com.

About Partners HealthCare

Partners HealthCare is an integrated health system founded by Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital. In addition to its two academic medical centers, the Partners system includes community and specialty hospitals, a managed care organization, community health centers, a physician network, home health and long-term care services, and other health-related entities. Partners HealthCare is one of the nation’s leading biomedical research organizations and a principal teaching affiliate of Harvard Medical School. Partners HealthCare is a non-profit organization.