No-Charge Genetic Testing and Counseling Program for Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Resonate^® is a no-charge genetic testing and counseling program for sensorineural hearing loss, sponsored by Akouos, Inc. Resonate uses a comprehensive panel of nearly 300 genes to potentially determine whether there is an underlying genetic cause of hearing loss. U.S. healthcare providers can order directly through PreventionGenetics; alternatively, providers (including audiologists) can refer patients to genetic counselors at InformedDNA who can provide pre- and post-test counseling and ordering of sponsored sensorineural hearing loss genetic testing. Providers will receive a genetic testing report and a report from the genetic counselor (if applicable).

1. Ordering healthcare provider will determine if the individual meets eligibility criteria and discuss the test with the patient and/or caregiver.
2. Either order the test using akouosresonate.preventiongenetics.com or refer for genetic counseling, plus test ordering using InformedDNA.
3. If ordering test directly through PreventionGenetics, collect a specimen in the collection tube. For information on ordering specimen kits, see Specimen Collection and Shipping section.
4. The genetic test will be processed at PreventionGenetics and the results will be sent to the ordering healthcare provider about 3 to 4 weeks after the lab receives the specimens and all appropriately completed paperwork. The ordering healthcare provider and/or genetic counselor will discuss the results with the patient and/or caregiver.

There are two options for genetic counseling through the Resonate program:

• Option 1: No-charge pre- and post-test counseling, plus ordering of hearing loss genetic testing by InformedDNA (a third-party service provider).
• Option 2: When the healthcare provider orders genetic testing directly through PreventionGenetics, optional no-charge, post-test genetic counseling with InformedDNA (a third-party service provider) is available to patients.

SPECIMEN REQUIREMENTS

OCD-100 Buccal Swab (Preferred)

OCD-100 Buccal Swab used according to manufacturer instructions.

Specimens may be shipped at room temperature.

Specimen collection kits: Buccal specimen collection kits, which contain the TRF and the shipping label, may be ordered through the online order form or akouosresonate.preventiongenetics.com.

Whole Blood

Collect 3 ml to 5 ml of whole blood in EDTA (purple top tube) or ACD (yellow top tube), minimum 1 ml for small infants.

Saliva

Oragene™ or GeneFiX™ Saliva Collection kit used according to manufacturer instructions. DNA from saliva specimens is invariably contaminated with microbial and food DNA, which can impact specimen quality and may result in delayed testing and/or the need for a second specimen.

SHIPPING AND HANDLING INSTRUCTIONS

Label the specimen container with the patient's name, date of birth, and/or ID number. At least two identifiers should be listed on the specimen container. Specimen deliveries are accepted Monday-Saturday for all specimen types. Holiday schedules will be posted on our website at least one week prior to major holidays.