NHS Lothian, Borders and Fife healthcare professionals involved in the care of people with breast cancer should directly order genetic testing for their eligible patients.
The key aim of ‘Mainstream’ or ‘Treatment Focused’ cancer genetic testing is to streamline genetic testing into the cancer patient pathway.
These genetic tests can inform healthcare decisions for people with cancer. The tests can also provide information which may be useful to their relatives and enable them to access appropriate healthcare.
Making A Genetic Test Request
- Patient information sheet : give your patient a copy of the patient information sheet
- Genetic test Request Form : complete the genetic test request form
- Send completed form with EDTA blood sample to the Molecular Genetics Laboratory
Please note the patient should sign and date the consent form.
The laboratory will not process samples that are accompanied by incomplete or incorrect forms. Before sending the blood sample, please ensure that all genetic test request forms include the following:
- Eligibility is clearly indicated
- All required information is completed (and legible)
- An email address for the requesting healthcare professional is provided for the result to be reported to
Supporting Resources
- Process flowchart: Overview of the test request process
- Receiving a normal breast gene panel result patient information sheet: can be given to patients when breast gene panel testing does not detect a disease-causing gene change or a variant of uncertain significance
- UKCGG leaflets and guidelines – Cancer genetics group: UKCGG Management Guidelines and Leaflets
Training resources are provided through the following links:
Video 1 – Genetic Testing in Patients with Breast Cancer: this provides an overview of eligibility, processes, consenting and practical aspects of sending samples.
Video 2 – Introduction to Germline Breast Cancer Panel Genetic Testing in Scotland: this provides detailed information about the current genes included in the breast panel and may be useful for your own education.
Summary training document provides a detailed overview of the process and includes frequently asked questions.
