What Myriad Genetics Laboratory Is
Myriad Genetics Laboratory is a CLIA-certified, CAP-accredited clinical laboratory based in Salt Lake City, Utah. The facility developed some of the first commercial genetic tests for hereditary cancer risk, including the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, and has since expanded into pharmacogenomics, rare disease, and wellness testing. Myriad operates high-throughput sequencing and genotyping platforms and handles specimen processing, variant interpretation, and clinical reporting for hospitals, health systems, and direct-to-consumer partners.
- What Myriad Genetics Laboratory Is
- What Kinds of Tests the Lab Performs
- How Myriad Testing Works in Practice
- Regulatory Standing and Quality Framework
- Myriad's Role in Pharmacogenomics
- Data Security, Privacy, and Specimen Handling
- How Myriad Compares With Other Genetic Testing Laboratories
- What to Consider Before Ordering a Test
- Bottom Line
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What Kinds of Tests the Lab Performs
The laboratory is best known for hereditary cancer panels that assess mutations in genes such as BRCA1, BRCA2, ATM, PALB2, CHEK2, and others. These tests help clinicians estimate a patient's lifetime risk for breast, ovarian, prostate, pancreatic, and other cancers. Myriad also offers pharmacogenomic panels that guide medication selection and dosing for drugs including antidepressants, opioids, and cardiovascular agents. Additional test families cover hereditary cardiovascular conditions, colorectal cancer risk, and certain rare inherited disorders.
How Myriad Testing Works in Practice
A clinician orders a test, collects a blood or saliva specimen, and sends it to the lab. At Myriad, specimens undergo DNA extraction, library preparation, and sequencing on industry-standard platforms. Bioinformatics pipelines call variants, which are then interpreted by molecular geneticists and certified laboratory directors. Results are typically returned as a report with variant classifications—pathogenic, likely pathogenic, variant of uncertain significance, likely benign, or benign—along with clinical recommendations and, where appropriate, therapeutic implications.
Regulatory Standing and Quality Framework
Myriad Genetics Laboratory operates under CLIA certification and CAP accreditation, which means it meets federal quality standards for personnel, procedures, and proficiency testing. The lab also maintains certifications required for specific test modalities. Because genetic testing falls under FDA oversight when sold as a kit, Myriad has historically navigated regulatory pathways through proprietary test designs and laboratory-developed test frameworks. Patients and providers can verify the lab's credentials through CLIA and CAP public databases.
Myriad's Role in Pharmacogenomics
Beyond hereditary cancer, the laboratory has built a pharmacogenomic portfolio that examines how a patient's DNA affects drug metabolism. Pharmacogenomic testing can inform whether a standard dose is appropriate, whether an alternative is safer, or whether a drug is likely to be ineffective. These results are typically actionable and are used by prescribers to personalize treatment plans for psychiatry, pain management, cardiology, and other specialties.
Data Security, Privacy, and Specimen Handling
Myriad maintains laboratory information systems that handle protected health information under HIPAA and applicable state privacy laws. Specimens are processed in controlled environments with chain-of-custody protocols, and results are delivered through secure electronic reporting. Patients concerned about genetic data storage, secondary use, or discrimination protections should review Myriad's privacy policy and, where relevant, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA), which bars health insurers and most employers from discriminating based on genetic information.
How Myriad Compares With Other Genetic Testing Laboratories
The table below contrasts Myriad with several other major clinical genetics laboratories across attributes that matter to ordering clinicians and patients.
| Attribute | Myriad Genetics Laboratory | Lab A | Lab B |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary focus | Hereditary cancer, pharmacogenomics, rare disease | Oncology, hereditary cancer | Reproductive, prenatal, carrier screening |
| Certifications | CLIA, CAP | CLIA, CAP, New York DOH | CLIA, CAP, New York DOH |
| Turnaround time | Variable; typically 2–4 weeks | Typically 2–3 weeks | Typically 1–3 weeks |
| Specimen types | Blood, saliva | Blood, saliva, FFPE tissue | Blood, saliva, amniotic fluid |
| Reporting format | Structured clinical report with variant classifications | Structured with therapeutic flagging | Structured with counseling resources |
What to Consider Before Ordering a Test
Clinicians and patients should confirm that the test is appropriate for the clinical question, verify that the laboratory is CLIA-certified for the specific analyte, and check whether prior authorization is required by the patient's health plan. Genetic counseling before and after testing is recommended for hereditary cancer and pharmacogenomic panels, as results can affect family members and long-term care decisions. Patients should also review any specimen collection kits for storage and shipping requirements to avoid delays.
Bottom Line
Myriad Genetics Laboratory is one of the longest-established commercial genetics labs in the United States, with a track record in hereditary cancer risk assessment and a growing pharmacogenomic portfolio. Its CLIA and CAP credentials, structured reporting, and integration into clinical workflows make it a widely used resource for providers who need actionable genetic information. For patients, the quality of the lab matters less than the clinical utility of the test and the conversation with a clinician or genetic counselor about what the results mean for their care.