HSL Genetics: Request procedures

See the main Tests section for general information on request procedures.

To order a test, please complete a Genetics Request form and, when appropriate, a Consent Form. 

NIPT requests need to be accompanied by their own request form supplied with the sample- taking pack.

Haemoglobinopathy genetics: For UCLH requests, it is mandatory to include informed consent for DNA testing and storage, otherwise a request cannot be made. Referrers outside UCLH use the Haemoglobinopathy request forms: Prenatal Diagnosis request form or Haemoglobinopathy Genotype request form.

Haemophilia and thrombophilia genetics: Requests for Haemophilia and Thrombosis Molecular Genetics must be accompanied by a request form.

For users on the Royal Free network, the form is available on Freenet (http://freenet/freenetcms/Default. aspx?&s=38&p=860&m=1778). For other users, please contact the the laboratory for a form. Genetic testing for inherited bleeding disorders requires patient consent. Please use the following consent form and information – http://www.ukhcdo.org/docs/Genetic%20testing%20 consent%20form.doc

HLA B^*57:01 and HLA B^*27: For RFH requests, please order on Cerner. The SRA then fill out a Genetics Request form to send with the sample to the Halo.
In order to avoid unnecessary time spent in obtaining details please provide the following information:

Information for request forms:

• Surname, forename (not initials) and date of birth
• Full name (not initials) and location of referring clinician.
• Full address of clinician to whom the result should be sent.
• Legible clinical summary, including details of any relevant family history.
• Address for billing – doctor, patient or other.
• Gestation and number of fetuses on prenatal samples. Hospital or reference number.
• Test required.

Essential information on sample container label: 

• Patient’s surname and forename (not initials).
• Date of birth.
• Hospital number or reference number.

Consent forms

Consent forms are available for genetic testing. As genetic testing may have implications for other family members and is regarded as personal data, it is recommended that written consent is obtained wherever possible. In cases with predictive testing for severe disorders, as indicated in the laboratory guide, it is essential that patients should also be offered formal genetic counselling.

It is the responsibility of the referring clinician to obtain appropriate consent from the patient.

Clinical Details

Clinical details are very important when providing genetic analysis. The more clinical information that is available (e.g. details of ultrasound information, phenotypic features or family history) the better the service we can provide. Failure to provide this information for genetic studies may result in an inaccurate analysis or interpretation.