Welcome to the West Midlands Regional Genetics Laboratory

The West Midlands Regional Genetics Laboratory is a CPA accredited laboratory that provides a comprehensive genetic testing service. The services we provide are primarily used by National Health Service patients within the West Midlands region, however we also carry out tests for private consultants and hospitals and have contracts with healthcare institutions both nationally and internationally.

The department employs over 160 scientific, technical and support staff and is directed by Mike Griffiths, Consultant Clinical Scientist. The laboratory provides a comprehensive range of genetic tests. In 2010/11 we processed over 48,000 samples; of these 28,000 were tested using molecular genetic techniques and 20,000 were tested for chromosomal anomalies using cytogenetic techniques.

The department performs genetic tests for a wide range of genetic disorders ranging from single gene disorders to whole chromosome aneuploidy. Our services include prenatal testing for at risk pregnancies, postnatal testing for conditions such as developmental delay and infertility and specific testing for a variety of syndromes and single gene disorders. Oncology services include cancer diagnosis, monitoring of disease status and post transplant monitoring. The tests we are able to carry out help to provide accurate diagnosis and optimise treatment of genetic disorders. We work in conjunction with the Clinical Genetics counselling service also based at the Birmingham Women’s Hospital to ensure that patients receive suitable advice both before testing is offered and after a result has been found.

Genetics in medicine is a rapidly expanding field with translation of information and techniques from cutting edge research into robust clinical tests. We employ the most up to date techniques and equipment available to bring accurate answers and improved reporting times. We follow rigorous standards which are externally audited by the CPA (http://www.cpa-uk.co.uk). We are also members of external qualitty assurance schemes run by UKNEQAS (http://www.ukneqas.org.uk ) and the European Quality Assurance Network (EMQN: http://www.emqn.org) which monitor our analytical and interpretative performance and ensure that our patients get the highest possible level of care.

For further information on any of the services provided please e-mail genetics.lab@bwhct.nhs.uk and your enquiry will be handled by the most appropriate person.

Referral Forms

If you are sending a sample to us please download the appropriate referral form here. Right click on these links and choose 'Save Target As....' to download Adobe Acrobat (PDF) versions of referral forms:

Cytogenetics referral form

Molecular referral form

Please ensure samples and packaging comply with BWH Trust policy

Where are we? Click here for our location and travel details courtesy of Multimap.

Author: Gareth Masson Authorised by: Mike Griffiths Version 1.0.5.5
Authorised on 22/04/2011 Next review date 22/10/2012
ONLY VALID ON DAY OF PRINTING