Cardiovascular Genomic Testing

Is the test clinically relevant?

Determine if it is clinically useful for your patient to undergo genomic testing for an inherited cardiac condition 

Before ordering a test think: 

• Will the test result influence treatment or screening? 
• Are there family members that might benefit from predictive genetic testing?
• Will the test result influence reproductive decision making for the patient or their relatives?
• Watch our video on when to order a test to learn more 

Identify the most appropriate test for your patient  

The National Test Directory lists all the genomic tests that are currently available on the NHS. Each test has its own unique R code which you will need to include on the Test Order Form 

You can also use our Order or Find a Test directory to select the most appropriate test for your patient.

Search for a gene or R code and the directory will identify all of the relevant tests. The directory also lists the eligibility criteria and contains links to the relevant Test Order Form and Record of Discussion Form. 

Watch our video explaining how to navigate the test directory  

Take consent for the genomic test

Before requesting a genomic test, you should ensure your patient fully understands the potential implications of the test for them and their family members. If your patient is a child, consent for genomic testing should be taken from their parents. 

Download the Record of discussion form to fully record your patient’s consent. Retain a copy for your notes and give a copy to the patient. 

Complete the test order form  

• Download the Test Request Form and fill it in   
• Include the R Code on the test order form  
• State which eligibility criteria your patient meets  
• State why it is clinically useful  
• Include patient’s ethnicity  
• Consider adding a departmental group email address to ensure the result doesn’t get lost

Send the sample

Please give the patient the signed Test Request Form and two ID labels to go to phlebotomy department for a blood test.

Phlebotomy will take 2x EDTA blood bottles and dispatch to the local pathology lab, who will arrange transfer to the genetics lab.  

Sample rejections: 

The test will be rejected if :

• Samples and request form do not show at least three identical patient identifiers 
• The sample is in the incorrect collection media 
• The request form is not sufficiently completed 
• The sample is not of sufficient volume 
• The sample is too old  

Send sample and request forms to: 

Clinical Genetics & Genomics Laboratory
Royal Brompton Hospital
2nd (Ground) Floor, Sydney Wing
Sydney Street
London SW3 6NP