In this section
All genetic testing requires consent. It is the responsibility of the referring clinician to obtain appropriate consent from the patient for genetic testing. The laboratory assumes that, on receipt of a clinical sample and a completed referral form, consent has been obtained by the referring clinician. Verbal test requests can be made to activate testing on stored samples but must be supported by written confirmation of the request to enable the laboratory to commence testing.
Where appropriate, extracted DNA is stored for possible future (consented) testing and for quality assurance purposes. This includes DNA from patients where no genetic test is currently available or required.
Fixed cell suspensions of cultured cells may be used for quality assurance purposes but are usually only stored only for a short time period, unless long term storage has been specifically requested.
Health Education England have produced a training package for obtaining consent for genomic tests. It is available here.
The standard NW GLH Genomic test consent form can be found below:
NW GLH Genomic test consent form
For further information, please see the below.
Cancer
Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS)
Over time, testing for some indications will move to whole genome sequencing (WGS). This will require a separate request form and consent form (Record of Discussion of Patient Choice). Further details will be added to this website as WGS is introduced for the different specialties. The website will be updated with these forms accordingly.
Haematology Oncology
*Please note that the Greater Manchester HCDP service is currently only accessible from within the NHS network at present. Work is being carried out to create a version that can be accessed externally. In the meantime, if you have any queries, please contact us.
Whole Genome Sequencing
Over time, testing for some indications will move to whole genome sequencing (WGS). This will require a separate request form and consent form (Record of Discussion of Patient Choice). Further details will be added to this website as WGS is introduced for the different specialties. The website will be updated with these forms accordingly.
Non-Cancer (Rare Diseases)
Genomic Testing Consent
It is important that individuals undergoing genomic testing or their representatives understand that these tests may not always identify a cause for a health problem and have potential to provide a result which is uncertain (variant of unknown significance, VUS ) or an additional/incidental finding which is unrelated to the patient’s current presentation.
Rapid Exome Sequencing
For the rapid exome sequencing service, please refer to their specific website here.
Whole Genome Sequencing
Over time, testing for some indications will move to whole genome sequencing (WGS). This will require a separate request form and consent form (Record of Discussion of Patient Choice). Further details will be added to this website as WGS is introduced for the different specialties. The website will be updated with these forms accordingly.