The Value of Genomic Testing: A Contingent Valuation Across Six Child- and Adult-Onset Genetic Conditions

A recent paper by Dr Yan Meng, A/Prof Ilias Goranitis and Prof Philip Clarke was published in Pharmacoeconomics. This paper elicited the willingness-to-pay for genomic testing, using contingent valuation, among people with lived experience of genetic conditions in Australia

The paper utilised primary data of 360 individuals from six different clinical cohorts prospectively recruited to undergo genomic testing funded through the Australian Genomics and Melbourne Genomics programs. The authors estimated that parents of children with mitochondrial disorders, epileptic encephalopathy, leukodystrophy, or malformations of cortical development genetic conditions would be willing to pay AU$2830 for genomic testing, whereas adults or parents of children with lived experiences of genetic kidney disease or complex neurological and neurodegenerative conditions would be willing to pay AU$1914 for the test. The average WTP across the six cohorts ranged from AU$1879 (genetic kidney disease) to AU$4554 (leukodystrophy). This work provided new insights into the value of genomic testing, enabling the use of cost–benefit analysis in these clinical contexts, while advancing the contingent valuation methods.