What does the term 'multigene panel' refer to in genetic testing?

• A. Sequencing multiple genes simultaneously.
• B. Sequencing a single gene only.
• C. Sequencing noncoding regions; panel tests coding only.
• D. A test that also images tissues.

Answer: (A)

Sequencing multiple genes at the same time.

A multigene panel uses one test to analyze several genes simultaneously, typically focusing on the coding portions (with relevant splice sites) of a selected group of genes tied to a specific clinical concern. This approach, usually done with next-generation sequencing, aims to increase diagnostic yield and efficiency by avoiding sequential single-gene tests.

It’s not about testing a single gene, nor about examining noncoding regions exclusively. It also isn’t an imaging test; imaging tissues is a separate modality and not part of sequencing panels.