GenomeDiver: A platform for phenotype-guided medical genomic diagnosis.

PurposeMaking a diagnosis from clinical genomic sequencing requires well-structured phenotypic data to guide genotype interpretation. A patients phenotypic features can be documented using the Human Phenotype Ontology (HPO), generating terms used to prioritize genes potentially causing the patients disease. We have developed GenomeDiver to provide a user interface for clinicians that allows more effective collaboration with the clinical diagnostic laboratory, with the goal of improving the success of the diagnostic process. MethodsGenomeDiver is designed to prompt reverse phenotyping of patients undergoing genetic testing, enriching the amount and quality of structured phenotype data for the diagnostic laboratory, and helping clinicians to explore and flag diseases potentially causing their patients presentation. ResultsWe show how GenomeDiver communicates the clinicians informed insights to the diagnostic lab in the form of HPO terms for interpretation of genomic sequencing data. We describe our user-driven design process, the engineering of the software for efficiency, security and portability, and an example of the performance of GenomeDiver using simulated genomic testing data. ConclusionsGenomeDiver is a first step in a new approach to genomic diagnostics that enhances laboratory-clinician interactions, with the goal of directly engaging clinicians to improve the outcome of genomic diagnostic testing.