Professionals

Genomic medicine is now part of mainstream NHS care and all healthcare professionals (not just genetics specialists) need to have a good understanding of its relevance. The pathway below outlines the Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) pathway.

STEP 1

Clinician requests a test from the National Test Directory by completing a Test Order Form and sending this to the GLH with the Patient Choice form and appropriate samples.

STEP 2

The GLH receive the forms and samples. The information from these forms are entered into the NGIS Test Ordering System. DNA is extracted from the samples.

STEP 3

THe GLH sends all required DNA samples for WGS testing to the plating organisation.

STEP 4

The GLH performs interpretation and issues a NHS Genomic Report to the ordering clinician.

HEE Genomics Education Programme

In-depth summaries, guides and training resources created by Health Education England

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We want to hear from you!

Training needs analysis

Complete our quick 5 question survey and help guide
our education and training plan.

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How to order a test

Genomic testing in the NHS is provided through a national testing network of seven Hubs. The South East Genomic Laboratory Hub coordinates genetic and genomic testing for the South London, Kent, Surrey and Sussex region. The tests will be aligned to the Cancer and Rare Disease National Genomic Test Directories. These directories specify which genomic tests are commissioned by the NHS in England, the technology by which they are available, the patients who are eligible to access the tests, and the healthcare professionals who can order them.

Follow the links below to find out more and start the referral process:

I want to order a
Cancer test

This link will take you to the available cancer tests, sample requirements and test request forms.

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I want to order a
Non-Cancer test

This link will take you to the available non-cancer tests, sample requirements and test request forms.

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National test directory

The National Genomic Test Directory

The 2020/2021 National Genomic Test Directory specifies which genomic tests are commissioned by the NHS in England, the technology by which they are available, and the patients who will be eligible to access to a test.

Access the National Genomic Test Directory

Follow this link to view the 2020/2021 National Genomic Test Directory for rare and inherited disorders and cancer.

Getting results

All genetic and genomic test results will be returned by the South East Genomic Laboratory Hub after appropriate interpretation and analysis has been completed. These reports will be returned directly to the ordering clinician, unless instructed otherwise.

Genomic Tumour Advisory Board (GTAB)

Genomic Advisory team for Rare Disease (GARD)

Genomic Tumour Advisory Board (GTAB)

A GTAB meeting at Guy's Hospital- Clinicians — A GTAB meeting at Guy’s Hospital- Clinicians

Results will need to be discussed at a Genomic Tumour Advisory Board meeting prior to a report being issued. These meetings have been established to ensure there is appropriate expert knowledge and oversight of genomic test results and that they are managed and acted upon in a coordinated way. These GTAB meetings will take place on a regular basis across the South East region and responsible clinicians will be invited to their local meeting to review their patient’s results with the Board members. Below is a mapping of the overall MDT model through which genomic test results will be monitored and reviewed.

Getting results- Clinicians

Genomic Advisory team for Rare Disease (GARD)

A GARD meeting at Guy's Hospital- Professionals — A GARD meeting at Guy’s Hospital- Professionals

Results will need to be discussed by the Genomic Advisory team for Rare Disease at a MDT meeting prior to a report being issued. These meetings have been established to ensure there is appropriate expert knowledge and oversight of genomic test results and that they are managed and acted upon in a coordinated way. These GARD meetings will take place on a regular basis across the South East region and responsible clinicians will be invited to their local meeting to review their patient’s results. Below is a mapping of the overall MDT model through which genomic test results will be monitored and reviewed.

Getting results- Professionals

100k guidance for clinicians

A big thank you to all the healthcare professionals in the South London, Kent, Surrey and Sussex region who helped recruit over 2000 Cancer participants and nearly 4000 Rare Disease participants and their families to the Project. Recruitment to the Project has now come to an end and our current focus is on returning the results of the project to patients. Your continued cooperation and support are critical in ensuring this happens.

Referring clinicians may be invited to a Genomic MDT meeting to review the results and discuss next steps for the patient. Depending on this discussion, more work may be required before the final result can be returned to the referring clinician (i.e. further analysis and validation of the findings).

In some cases an MDT discussion may not be appropriate and the report may be issued directly after the analysis at the lab. The referring clinician is then responsible for discussing the result with the patient.

Information for healthcare professionals on the 100,000 Genomes Project can be found on the Genomics England website: