Singapore to roll out genetic testing for inherited cholesterol disorder

It is set to begin on 30 June.

Singapore’s Ministry of Health (MOH) will launch a national genetic testing programme for Familial Hypercholesterolaemia (FH) on 30 June.

The first Genomic Assessment Centre (GAC), which will be operated by SingHealth and located at the National Heart Centre, Singapore, will begin accepting referrals from the same date.

Those referred to a GAC will undergo pre-test counselling to understand the benefits and limitations of testing, blood sampling and the genetic test itself, and post-test counselling to interpret the results and consider follow-up actions.

FH, an inherited condition that impairs the body’s ability to process cholesterol, affects about 20,000 people in Singapore and increases the risk of early heart attacks.

Eligible Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents will receive subsidies for the FH genetic test at the centre and may use MediSave to offset costs.

Meanwhile, two more GACs operated by the National Healthcare Group and the National University Health System will open subsequently.