WEDNESDAY, March 11, 2026 (NewsDay News) — Genetic testing can play an important role in identifying patients at risk for malignant hyperthermia (MH), according to an article published online March 10, 2026, that guides the screening by answering three simple questions. Anesthesiology.
Given that genetic testing of known genes involved (RYR1, CACNA1Sand STAC3) has become the first line of testing for MH susceptibility (MHS), but the sensitivity of genetic testing is only up to 70 percent.
Genetic findings should be combined with the patient’s history to determine the need for induction anesthetics and/or additional contracture testing. The authors provide a flowchart with scenarios that reflect clinical situations that providers commonly encounter. The chart states that the anesthesiologist asks three questions, whether the patient has MHS or a MH reaction, whether anyone in the family has MHS or a MH reaction, and whether the patient or a family member has undergone genetic testing for MHS.
“Identifying patients at potential risk for MH is an important priority for anesthesiologists, but diagnosis is difficult,” Riazi said in a statement. “We demonstrate a stepwise approach to identify patients and families who may be at risk, demonstrating the use of genetic testing to identify mutations that cause MH.”
One author has disclosed a financial relationship with Merck.
