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The National Genomic Test Directories specify which genomic tests are commissioned by the NHS in England, to be delivered by Genomic Laboratory Hubs.

Clinical Indication ID & Name

R138

Sudden unexplained death or survivors of a cardiac event

Test Group

Cardiology

Test code

R38.1

Test name

N/A

Target genes

Sudden cardiac death (841)

Test scope

n/a

Test method/ technology

WES or Medium Panel

Optimal Family Structure

n/a

Eligibility Criteria

1. Sudden death with normal Post Mortem below the age of 40, OR
2. Sudden death with normal Post Mortem below the age of 60, with a family history of unexplained sudden death under the age of 40 in a first / second degree relative (in whom no Post Mortem was carried out), OR
3. Sudden death with normal Post Mortem below the age of 60, with a family history of unexplained sudden death under the age of 60 in a first / second degree relative (where the relative also had a normal Post Mortem)

Where available, the Post Mortem should include assessment by an expert in cardiac autopsy. Where a cause can be identified via Post Mortem or through clinical assessment of surviving relatives, the appropriate specific Clinical Indication for testing should be used.

Testing should be carried out in parallel with assessment of surviving relatives in an Inherited Cardiac Clinic (ICC), including support from clinical genetics; testing may occasionally be appropriate outside these criteria
following discussion in an ICC MDT or an opinion from an expert in cardiac autopsy.

Survivors of proven cardiac arrest (idiopathic ventricular fibrillation) with:
1. no phenotype detectable on comprehensive evaluation including coronary assessment, cardiac imaging and ECG provocation testing (idiopathic ventricular fibrillation) AND
2. under the age of 45.

Testing should be carried out in parallel with expert phenotypic assessment, for example in an Inherited Cardiac Clinic (ICC), including support from clinical genetics; testing may occasionally be appropriate outside these criteria following discussion in an ICC MDT.

Test code

R138.2

Test name

N/A

Target genes

Sudden cardiac death (841)

Test scope

n/a

Test method/ technology

Exon level CNV detection by MLPA or equivalent

Optimal Family Structure

n/a

Eligibility Criteria

1. Sudden death with normal Post Mortem below the age of 40, OR
2. Sudden death with normal Post Mortem below the age of 60, with a family history of unexplained sudden death under the age of 40 in a first / second degree relative (in whom no Post Mortem was carried out), OR
3. Sudden death with normal Post Mortem below the age of 60, with a family history of unexplained sudden death under the age of 60 in a first / second degree relative (where the relative also had a normal Post Mortem)

Where available, the Post Mortem should include assessment by an expert in cardiac autopsy. Where a cause can be identified via Post Mortem or through clinical assessment of surviving relatives, the appropriate specific Clinical Indication for testing should be used.

Testing should be carried out in parallel with assessment of surviving relatives in an Inherited Cardiac Clinic (ICC), including support from clinical genetics; testing may occasionally be appropriate outside these criteria
following discussion in an ICC MDT or an opinion from an expert in cardiac autopsy.

Survivors of proven cardiac arrest (idiopathic ventricular fibrillation) with:
1. no phenotype detectable on comprehensive evaluation including coronary assessment, cardiac imaging and ECG provocation testing (idiopathic ventricular fibrillation) AND
2. under the age of 45.

Testing should be carried out in parallel with expert phenotypic assessment, for example in an Inherited Cardiac Clinic (ICC), including support from clinical genetics; testing may occasionally be appropriate outside these criteria following discussion in an ICC MDT.

Commissioning group

Specialised

Overlapping idications

n/a

Address for samples/request forms

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

Contact with queries

geneticslab@rbht.nhs.uk

Supporting documents

n/a

Education resources

n/a

Turn around times

All our turnaround times are listed on our specific turn around page https://southeastgenomics.nhs.uk/professionals/service-turn-around-times/

Consent record

See consent guidance in test request form

Sample requirements

Samples may be rejected for the following reasons: 1.Samples and request form do not show at least three identical patient identifiers 2.The sample is in the incorrect collection media 3.The request form is not sufficiently completed 4.The sample is not of sufficient volume 5.The sample is too old