What does 'actionable variant' mean in the context of clinically actionable genes?

• A. An actionable variant is one for which there is an intervention that can influence outcome.
• B. Any variant can be acted upon.
• C. Only variants of unknown significance are actionable.
• D. A variant with no clinical implications is actionable.

Answer: (A)

Actionable means you can use the genetic finding to change patient care in a way that can affect the outcome. An actionable variant has evidence-based interventions linked to it—such as enhanced or targeted screening, preventive or risk-reducing measures, specific therapies or dosing based on pharmacogenetics, or other management changes—that can actually influence disease risk or treatment response. That’s why this describes actionability best. Variants of unknown significance lack enough evidence to guide care, and a variant with no clinical implications wouldn’t prompt any change in management.