Revvity Confirms OGM Outperforms Southern Blot
Why FSHD Testing + the New CPT Code Matters for BNGO
A really interesting development is starting to take shape around Bionano Genomics, and it’s something most investors haven’t connected yet. Revvity, a major global diagnostics company, has publicly highlighted that Optical Genome Mapping (OGM) can replace the old‑school “Southern blot” test used to diagnose FSHD, a form of muscular dystrophy.
For decades, Southern blot has been the only way to diagnose FSHD. It’s slow, messy, requires radioactive materials, and needs a huge amount of high‑quality DNA. Revvity’s own data shows that OGM does the same job faster, more accurately, and with far fewer limitations. OGM can measure the key genetic repeat involved in FSHD, detect cases where only some cells are affected (mosaicism), and identify more complex genetic patterns that Southern blot often misses. In simple terms: OGM gives doctors a clearer picture, in less time, with less hassle.
Now here’s the part that matters for investors. As of January 1, 2026, OGM officially has a Category I CPT code for constitutional genetic disorders, the category FSHD falls under. That means OGM‑based FSHD testing is now reimbursable in the United States. Insurance can pay for it. Hospitals and labs can bill for it. And companies like Revvity can run these tests at scale.
This is a big deal because it turns OGM from a “cool technology” into a billable clinical service. And Revvity is already publishing data showing OGM is a better option than the current gold‑standard test. When a global diagnostics company starts validating your technology publicly, and the reimbursement pathway is already in place, that’s the kind of setup that often leads to deeper partnerships, expanded testing menus, or even strategic deals.
OGM isn’t just for cancer or rare disease research anymore. It now has a clear, reimbursable role in diagnosing a real‑world genetic disorder that affects families worldwide. Revvity’s endorsement shows that major players see OGM as a practical, cost‑effective clinical tool. And with the new CPT code active, this opens the door for broader adoption and potentially more collaboration between Bionano and companies that want to bring OGM into their diagnostic workflows.
Why FSHD Testing + the New CPT Code Matters for BNGO
A really interesting development is starting to take shape around Bionano Genomics, and it’s something most investors haven’t connected yet. Revvity, a major global diagnostics company, has publicly highlighted that Optical Genome Mapping (OGM) can replace the old‑school “Southern blot” test used to diagnose FSHD, a form of muscular dystrophy.
For decades, Southern blot has been the only way to diagnose FSHD. It’s slow, messy, requires radioactive materials, and needs a huge amount of high‑quality DNA. Revvity’s own data shows that OGM does the same job faster, more accurately, and with far fewer limitations. OGM can measure the key genetic repeat involved in FSHD, detect cases where only some cells are affected (mosaicism), and identify more complex genetic patterns that Southern blot often misses. In simple terms: OGM gives doctors a clearer picture, in less time, with less hassle.
Now here’s the part that matters for investors. As of January 1, 2026, OGM officially has a Category I CPT code for constitutional genetic disorders, the category FSHD falls under. That means OGM‑based FSHD testing is now reimbursable in the United States. Insurance can pay for it. Hospitals and labs can bill for it. And companies like Revvity can run these tests at scale.
This is a big deal because it turns OGM from a “cool technology” into a billable clinical service. And Revvity is already publishing data showing OGM is a better option than the current gold‑standard test. When a global diagnostics company starts validating your technology publicly, and the reimbursement pathway is already in place, that’s the kind of setup that often leads to deeper partnerships, expanded testing menus, or even strategic deals.
OGM isn’t just for cancer or rare disease research anymore. It now has a clear, reimbursable role in diagnosing a real‑world genetic disorder that affects families worldwide. Revvity’s endorsement shows that major players see OGM as a practical, cost‑effective clinical tool. And with the new CPT code active, this opens the door for broader adoption and potentially more collaboration between Bionano and companies that want to bring OGM into their diagnostic workflows.
