New Family Member Sample Policy for Whole Exome Sequencing and Whole Genome Sequencing

Effective August 31, 2026, Baylor Genetics will implement a new Family Member Sample Policy that supports timely results by allowing testing to proceed with available samples when requested biological family member samples (i.e., comparator samples) are not received within the applicable timeframe.¹

This policy applies to eligible postnatal family-based Whole Exome Sequencing (WES) and Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) test configurations, including duo, trio, and quad.²

How the Policy Works

Comparator Sample Receiving Timeframes

• WES, WGS: Comparator samples must be received within 21 calendar days of proband sample receipt.
• Rapid WES, WGS: Comparator samples must be received within 7 calendar days of proband sample receipt.

If Comparator Samples Are Not Received Within the Required Timeframe

• Testing will proceed using the samples available in the laboratory for the ordered test.
• The final test configuration will differ from the original order and will potentially reflect the highest-tier family-based test configuration supported by the samples available (e.g., Quad → Trio → Duo → Proband-only).
• The ordering provider will be notified if testing proceeds under an updated test configuration.

The final test configurations may be determined by the number of comparator samples received within the required timeframe.

This policy applies to eligible family-based WES/WGS tests when the proband sample is received by Baylor Genetics on or after August 31, 2026.¹

	Notifications: At least two reminder notifications may be sent during the comparator sample receiving timeframe.
	Billing: Billing, prior authorization requirements, and estimated patient out-of-pocket cost will be based on the final test configuration performed.
	Test Configuration Updates: If testing proceeds using a modified test configuration, a notification will be sent to the ordering provider.
	Comparator Samples Received After Testing Begins: Comparator samples received after testing begins under an updated test code will not be included in the final test. Additional testing may require a separate request.

Provider Acknowledgements

By submitting an order for eligible family-based WES or WGS testing, the ordering provider acknowledges that Baylor Genetics may proceed with testing using the samples available in the laboratory if requested comparator samples are not received within the applicable receipt timeframe.

• The policy is effective August 31, 2026. View the full policy here.
• At this time, this policy does not apply to orders submitted through Epic Aura.
• For questions about this policy, please contact Baylor Genetics Client Services at 1-800-411-4363 or [email protected].

Thank you for your continued partnership and for the care you provide to patients and families every day.

1. For family-based testing, family member samples are collected from biological relatives and are used as comparator samples to support variant interpretation of the proband’s test results.
2. This policy applies only to select eligible Baylor Genetics family-based WES and 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.