UK GTN

• Home

  Welcome

• Information
  • The UKGTN

    What is the UKGTN ?

    The UK Genetic Testing Network advises the NHS on genetic testing across the whole of the UK. It aims to ensure the provision of high quality, equitable genetic testing services.

    • Organisation Structure

      How is the UKGTN Organised?

      The UKGTN Project Team reports to the UKGTN Steering Group which is a sub group of the Genetics Commissioning Advisory Group and ultimately reports to the Department of Health.

    • The Steering Group

      What is the role of the Steering Group?

      The Steering Group oversees the work of the UKGTN. Its approach is defined in a Framework for Delivery and its remit is defined by its Terms of Reference.

      • Steering Group Members

        Members of the UKGTN Steering Group

        The list of members of the UKGTN Steering Group and the UKGTN Project Team are available.

      • Steering Group Meeting Minutes

        Steering Group Minutes

        Minutes from past meetings the UKGTN Steering Group are available.

    • Framework for Delivery

      What Does it Do?

      The UKGTN aims to provide high quality equitable laboratory services. Its approach is defined in a Framework For Delivery and it is overseen by a Steering Group.

  • Commissioning

    Commissioning in the NHS

    UKGTN seeks to coordinate the commissioning of genetic testing services within the NHS in order to provide high quality, equitable services for patients and their families who require genetic advice.

    • Commissioning Groups

      How are genetics services commissioned in the NHS?

      Genetic testing is defined as a Specialised Service: it is provided by relatively few specialist centres to large catchment areas. In England Specialised services are commissioned by Specialised Commissioning Groups (SCGs). In Scotland the National Services Division commissions genetic services. In Wales the Health Commission Wales commissions genetic services from NHS Trusts. In Northern Ireland genetic services are commissioned by the Health and Social Services Boards.

    • UKGTN and commissioning

      How is UKGTN involved in the commissioning processes?

      The UKGTN will assess whether providing a test as an NHS service is likely to be of benefit to patients. If the test is approved, the recommendation will be passed to the national Genetics Commissioning Advisory Group (GenCAG) who will request that the relevant health commissioners consider providing funding for the test. Those tests that are approved by GenCAG are listed in the Directory of Molecular Genetic Testing.

    • GenCAG

      The Genetics Commissioning Advisory Group

      The Genetics Commissioning Advisory Group (GenCAG) was set up to provide advice to commissioners of genetics services. Members are drawn from relevant professional bodies and groups.

    • National Tariffs

      How is Pricing determined?

      The NHS funds genetic testing services for patients who are eligible to receive NHS services. The system of funding NHS healthcare in England is based on national tariffs. Where national tariffs do not apply, local prices are used.

  • Services

    Services Provided by the UKGTN

    The UKGTN provides unique services to its members.

    • Genetic Testing Directory

      Genetic Testing Directory

      All diseases and genes for which UKGTN has approved testing are listed in its Genetic Testing Directory. All the tests listed have been evaluated for clinical validity and utility.

    • Gene Dossiers

      Gene Dossiers

      A Gene Dossier form is completed by a testing laboratory and the specialist who wishes to provide a new genetic test. The Gene Dossier is evaluated as a part of a process to ensure new test methods meet the quality standards of the NHS.

      • Gene Dossier evaluation process

        Gene Dossier evaluation process

        The full procedures and criteria for the evaluation of genetic tests for NHS service are available from this site. The evaluation process has also been summarised in the form of flow charts.

      • Forms

        Gene Dossier Forms

        If you wish to propose a test for evaluation then you must use the Gene Dossier, the Additional Provider form or the Technical Service Provider form, all available from this site. When making a proposal, laboratories are advised to read the associated notes.

    • Testing Criteria

      Testing Criteria

      Testing Criteria are an essential part of the Gene Dossier application process. It is intended that a test is only carried out in accordance with the criteria set out in the Gene Dossier and approved by the UKGTN and GenCAG.

    • Laboratory Membership

      Laboratory Membership

      Laboratories wishing to apply for UKGTN membership have to fulfill specified criteria and submit an application form to the UKGTN Project team.

    • UKGTN Forms

      UKGTN Forms

      UK GTN maintains a number of forms, all of which are available online. These forms are to allow laboratories to register for membership, and submit information about the services they offer.

• Search

  Search the Database

  Find UKGTN laboratories and the services they provide.

  • Search by Disease

    By Disease

  • Search by Region

    By Region

• Contact Us

  Contact Us

  How you can get in contact with us.

• Links

  Links

  Other websites containing information about genetic testing, including links to professional organisations.

• Site Map