The implementation of genome sequencing in rare genetic diseases diagnosis: a pilot study from the Hong Kong genome project.

Background: Genome sequencing (GS) has revolutionised the diagnostic odyssey of patients with rare genetic diseases (RDs) and accelerated large-scale genome projects globally. However, the impact of GS on patients with RDs is yet to be investigated among genome projects in Asia. The Hong Kong Genome Project (HKGP) was implemented to benefit patients and families with RDs in Hong Kong, and to increase the inclusiveness of Chinese genomic data.

Expanded Newborn Screening for Inborn Errors of Metabolism in Hong Kong: Results and Outcome of a 7 Year Journey.

Newborn screening (NBS) is an important public health program that aims to identify pre-symptomatic healthy babies that will develop significant disease if left undiagnosed and untreated. The number of conditions being screened globally is expanding rapidly in parallel with advances in technology, diagnosis, and treatment availability for these conditions. In Hong Kong, NBS for inborn errors of metabolism (NBSIEM) began as a pilot program in October 2015 and was implemented to all birthing hospitals within the public healthcare system in phases, with completion in October 2020.