What does "PanelApp" mean?
Table of Contents
PanelApp is a software tool used in genetics to help doctors identify genetic diseases. It creates a list of important genes linked to specific health issues, which is known as a virtual gene panel. This list helps in finding out which genes could be causing problems in patients with rare genetic diseases.
How It Works
When a patient is tested for genetic issues, doctors often look at all the genes in the body. This can be a lot of information to sort through. PanelApp helps by narrowing down the options to a specific set of genes that are known to be related to certain diseases. However, in some cases, important genes that cause diseases can be missed during this process.
Importance
Having a good virtual gene panel can make it easier and faster for doctors to diagnose patients with rare genetic diseases. It can help change a patient’s treatment plan and improve their chances of getting the right care. This tool aims to identify more of these important genes, so that fewer people are overlooked in the diagnosis process.