Diagnostic genetic testing is increasingly utilized at autopsy as a tool to determine cause of death. This testing is not only critical to determining cause but can also inform family members of their own risk for sudden death. Diagnostic genetic testing is also used in the clinic if testing was not ordered at autopsy. Many barriers (e.g., availability of testing, sample type, cost) to genetic testing have decreased, but logistics (e.g., protocols for what cases to test, funding for testing, and return of results) remain challenging. We will review current options for postmortem diagnostic genetic testing as well as how to overcome barriers. We will also review how this testing is being implemented at autopsy, in the clinic, and on a public health basis.

• Summarize current offerings for postmortem genetic testing.
• Compare logistics on how testing is done at the time of the autopsy versus when an at-risk family follows up in clinic.
• Defend how postmortem genetic testing is important to public health and future prevention efforts.

Matthew Thomas, MS
Sara Cherny, MS, CGC

What's New in Postmortem Genetic Testing?
Presenter(s): Lisa Dellefave-Castillo, MS

How Postmortem Genetic Testing is Implemented at Autopsy
Presenter(s): Lisa Gavin

How Postmortem Genetic Testing is Implemented in the Clinic
Presenter(s): Rebecca McClellan, MS, CGC

What's Next? How Postmortem Genetic Testing is Being Implemented in Public Health
Presenter(s): Heather M. MacLeod, MS, CGC

Lisa Dellefave-Castillo:

• Nothing Relevant to Disclose

Lisa Gavin:

• Nothing Relevant to Disclose

Rebecca McClellan:

• Nothing Relevant to Disclose

Heather MacLeod:

• Nothing Relevant to Disclose

To view all Heart Rhythm 2025 Faculty Disclosures, please click here.

Other Arrhythmia Syndromes
   --   Inherited Arrhythmia Syndromes and Genetic Testing
      --   262. Know how to perform risk assessment for sudden cardiac death in these conditions.