Baylor Genetics offers certain Whole Exome Sequencing (WES) and Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) tests that may include samples from the proband and one or more biological family members.
To support timely testing, effective August 31st, 2026, Baylor Genetics will proceed with testing using the samples available in the laboratory if all requested family member samples are not received within the applicable timeframe.*
Standard WES/WGS Testing
For standard WES/WGS family-based testing, it is preferred that all samples are received at the same time to support immediate testing. If this is not possible, all requested family member samples should be received within 21 calendar days after the proband sample is received by Baylor Genetics.
If all requested family member samples are not received within this timeframe, Baylor Genetics will proceed with testing using the samples available in the laboratory. This will result in a change from the originally ordered family-based test to a lower-tier test configuration, such as Trio to Duo or Duo to Proband-only testing.
Rapid WES/WGS Testing
For rapid WES/WGS family-based testing, it is highly preferred that all samples are received at the same time to support immediate testing. If this is not possible, all requested family member samples should be received within 7 calendar days after the proband sample is received by Baylor Genetics.
If all requested family member samples are not received within this timeframe, Baylor Genetics will proceed with testing using the samples available in the laboratory. This will result in a change from the originally ordered family-based test to a lower-tier test configuration, such as Trio to Duo or Duo to Proband-only testing.
Provider Notifications
Baylor Genetics will make reasonable efforts to notify the ordering provider when expected family member samples have not been received, including minimally two reminder notifications in the 7 or 21 day window for rapid and standard cases, respectively.
If the missing samples are not received within the applicable timeframe, Baylor Genetics will proceed with the available samples and will notify the ordering provider or client of the updated test configuration.
If the ordering provider instructs Baylor Genetics not to proceed with testing, the request will be handled according to Baylor Genetics’ applicable cancellation or hold policies.
Billing and Authorization
A change in test configuration may affect billing, prior benefits investigation, prior authorization, and estimated out-of-pocket cost. Baylor Genetics will process and bill the test based on the final test configuration performed.
Samples Received After Testing Has Proceeded
If a missing family member sample is received after testing has proceeded under a modified test configuration, the sample will not be included in the original test. Additional testing, if available and appropriate, may require a separate request and must follow Baylor Genetics’ applicable testing policies, available on our policies page.
Provider Acknowledgement
By submitting an order for WES/WGS family-based testing, the ordering provider acknowledges that testing may proceed using only the samples available in the laboratory after the applicable waiting period for family member samples has passed.
*This policy applies only to select eligible Baylor Genetics family-based Whole Exome Sequencing (WES) and Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) tests, as determined by Baylor Genetics. All other tests, services, and programs are excluded unless otherwise specified. Excluded offerings include but are not limited to screening tests, reanalysis services, panel tests, sequential testing, additional affected sibling testing, prenatal testing, and other specialized testing services. Clients interfaced with Epic Aura will also be excluded from this policy at this time.