Genomic testing in the devolved nations

As devolved nations of the UK, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own healthcare systems with individualised ways of requesting genomic testing. This resource provides information and links to the respective nations’ services.

Scotland

• Services are delivered through four regional laboratories based in Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow. Providing both genomic and molecular pathology testing services, these genomics laboratories collaborate through the Scottish Strategic Network for Genomic Medicine.
• Details of available tests can be found in:
  • the Scottish Genomic Test Directory for Rare and Inherited Disease; and
  • the Scottish Genomic Test Directory for Cancer.
• Each regional laboratory has its own request and consent forms, divided as follows:
  • NHS Grampian;
  • NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde;
  • NHS Lothian; and
  • NHS Tayside.

Wales

• As part of an integrated genomics service, genomic testing for rare disease, cancer and pharmacogenomics is delivered by the All Wales Medical Genomics Service (AWMGS) laboratory services.
• A list of available tests performed by the local laboratory and links to relevant test request forms can be found on the AWMGS website.
• If you cannot see the test that you want on the website, please contact the AWMGS laboratory via lab.genetics.cav@wales.nhs.uk as that particular test may be undertaken by a laboratory outside of Wales.

Northern Ireland

• The Northern Ireland Regional Molecular Diagnostics Service (RMDS) provides germline (constitutional) and somatic (tumour) testing to improve diagnosis, treatment options and management of patients with cancer, haematological conditions and rare genomic conditions. It also deals with pharmacogenomics issues and family members at risk of inherited conditions.
• Contact details, service information, links to tests provided and request forms can be found on the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust website.
• For enquiries about testing, please contact the RMDS laboratory via:
• • geneticslabs@belfasttrust.hscni.net (constitutional cytogenetics and molecular genomics);
  • MolecularHaemLab@belfasttrust.hscni.net (haemato-oncology cytogenetics); or
  • NIMPL@belfasttrust.hscni.net (solid tumours).

For clinicians

• All Wales Medical Genomics Service: Clinical guidelines and patient referrals
• Belfast Health and Social Care Trust: Common referrals and information for patients and professionals