Question 1

What is genetic testing?

Accepted Answer

Genetic testing analyses DNA extracted from either a saliva or blood sample to identify inherited genetic changes (variants) that may increase the risk of certain diseases or explain why a condition has occurred. At Genetic Experts, we offer clinically validated tests to help assess inherited cancer risk and other genetic conditions, enabling you and your healthcare team to make informed decisions about your health.

Question 2

What can genetic testing tell me?

Accepted Answer

Genetic testing can help determine whether you have inherited a pathogenic genetic variant associated with an increased risk of developing inherited conditions. Depending on the test, results may help guide screening, prevention, treatment options, and identify whether other family members may also be at risk.

Question 3

What can genetic testing not tell me?

Accepted Answer

Genetic testing cannot predict with certainty whether you will develop a disease. Many conditions are influenced by a combination of genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors. A negative result does not eliminate all risk, and not every inherited cause of disease has yet been discovered.

Question 4

Who should consider genetic testing?

Accepted Answer

You may benefit from genetic testing if you have:

A personal history of cancer or potentially inherited condition diagnosed at a young age
Multiple cancers or the same health condition in your family
A known inherited genetic condition in a relative
Concerns about passing an inherited condition to your children

Our genetic counsellors can help determine whether testing is appropriate for you.

Question 5

Is genetic testing suitable for everyone?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. Genetic testing is most useful when there is a reasonable chance that the results will provide meaningful information. Following a detailed review of your personal and family history, your genetic counsellor will discuss whether testing is likely to be beneficial.

Question 6

What genetic testing do you offer?

Accepted Answer

We offer a range of clinically validated genetic tests, including:

Inherited cancer risk panels
Single-gene testing
Multi-gene panel testing
Predictive testing where appropriate
Cascade testing for family members following an identified genetic variant

Your counsellor will recommend the most appropriate test for your individual circumstances.

Question 7

I've already had cancer. How can genetic testing help me?

Accepted Answer

If you have been diagnosed with cancer, genetic testing may identify whether your cancer was caused by an inherited genetic variant. This information can sometimes influence treatment decisions, guide future screening, and help identify relatives who may also benefit from testing.

Question 8

Are your tests the same as the NHS?

Accepted Answer

We use accredited laboratories that perform high-quality clinical genetic testing similar to that used within the NHS. However, we are able to offer wide panels testing more genes with a faster turnaround.

Question 9

How do I take my sample?

Accepted Answer

Most tests require a saliva sample. We will provide clear instructions and a home saliva collection kit will be sent directly to you.

Question 10

Is blood more reliable than saliva?

Accepted Answer

No. When collected correctly, saliva samples are generally just as reliable as blood samples for most inherited genetic tests.

Question 11

Are your tests reliable?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We use clinically validated genetic tests performed by accredited laboratories that follow strict quality standards. Every result undergoes rigorous laboratory quality control before being reported.

Question 12

How will I get my results?

Accepted Answer

Your results will usually be discussed during a follow-up appointment with one of our genetic counsellors. We will explain what the results mean, answer your questions, and provide a written report for your records.

Question 13

Will the NHS accept your tests or advice?

Accepted Answer

Our reports are prepared to the highest clinical standard following NHS guidance and can be shared with your NHS healthcare team. Typically the NHS is happy to follow the recommendations in our reports.

Question 14

What is genetic counselling?

Accepted Answer

Genetic counselling is a specialist healthcare service that helps individuals and families understand inherited conditions, genetic testing, and what genetic information may mean for their health and their relatives.

Question 15

What happens during a genetic counselling appointment?

Accepted Answer

During your appointment, your counsellor will:

Discuss your personal medical history
Review your family history
Assess inherited risk
Explain available genetic tests
Discuss the benefits and limitations of testing
Help you make an informed decision

There is no obligation to proceed with testing.

Question 16

What information will the genetic counsellor need from me?

Accepted Answer

It is helpful to know:

Your medical history
Your family's medical history
Ages of diagnosis for affected relatives
Previous genetic test results, if available
Relevant pathology or medical reports

If you don't know all the details, don't worry—we can still help.

Question 17

Will a genetic counsellor tell me whether I should have testing?

Accepted Answer

Your counsellor will explain whether testing is likely to be useful and discuss its advantages and limitations. The decision to proceed is always yours.

Question 18

Can genetic counselling help me understand a previous genetic test result?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We regularly help patients interpret previous genetic test results, including variants of uncertain significance (VUS), and explain what they may mean for you and your family.

Question 19

What makes Genetic Experts different?

Accepted Answer

Genetic Experts combines specialist genetic counselling with personalised risk assessment and access to high-quality clinical genetic testing. We focus on providing clear explanations, compassionate care, and ongoing support throughout your genetic journey.

Question 20

Why choose Genetic Experts?

Accepted Answer

We provide:

Personalised consultations
Specialist genetic counselling
Evidence-based recommendations
Clinically validated testing
Clear explanations without medical jargon
Support before and after testing

Question 21

Who performs my genetic counselling?

Accepted Answer

Your consultation is provided by a registered genetic counsellor with specialist training in genetic counselling and inherited disease, who works both for Genetic Experts and the NHS.

Question 22

Are your tests clinically validated?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We only use clinically validated tests performed by accredited laboratories following recognised quality standards.

Question 23

What qualifications do your genetic counsellors have?

Accepted Answer

Our genetic counsellors are all registered with either the HCPC or AHCS. They follow NICE standards and NHS management guidelines, working to recognised professional and ethical standards.

Question 24

What happens after I contact you?

Accepted Answer

Once you contact us, we'll arrange an initial consultation to understand your concerns, review your family history, and discuss whether genetic testing is appropriate.

Question 25

Do I need a referral for genetic counselling?

Accepted Answer

No. You can self-refer directly to Genetic Experts. Healthcare professionals are also welcome to refer patients.

Question 26

What happens when I book a consultation?

Accepted Answer

You'll receive confirmation of your appointment and any forms needed beforehand. During your consultation, we'll discuss your medical and family history and agree on the next steps.

Question 27

How much does genetic testing cost?

Accepted Answer

The cost depends on the type of test recommended. We will provide a clear quotation before any testing is arranged, with no hidden charges.

Question 28

What is included in the cost of testing?

Accepted Answer

Costs typically include:

Laboratory analysis
Interpretation of results
A written clinical report
Post-test counselling

We'll explain exactly what is included before you proceed.

Question 29

Are there any additional fees?

Accepted Answer

Any potential additional costs, such as further testing or additional family member testing, will always be discussed with you in advance.

Question 30

Can I have a consultation remotely?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We offer secure video and telephone consultations for patients throughout the UK.

Question 31

Which laboratories do you use?

Accepted Answer

All of the laboratories we use are accredited to ISO 15189, an international standard for medical laboratories. We use the following laboratories:

Nonacus Genetics has strong expertise in oncology and cancer genomics, so this is where we send the majority of cancer-related genetic tests.
Blueprint Genetics has an excellent reputation in rare disease testing, and we use Blueprint for many general genetic testing panels.
PreventionGenetics has expertise in triplet repeat disorders, such as C9orf72-related amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Huntington's disease.
Fulgent Genetics offers an excellent range of preconception carrier screening tests.
GenSeq may be used where its testing options are most appropriate for an individual patient's needs.

Question 32

Does cancer run in families?

Accepted Answer

Most cancers occur by chance, but around 5–10% are caused by inherited genetic variants. A strong family history may indicate an inherited cancer syndrome.

Question 33

How do I know if my family history suggests inherited cancer risk?

Accepted Answer

Factors that may increase inherited risk include:

Several relatives with the same cancer
Cancer diagnosed at a young age
Individuals with multiple primary cancers
Rare cancers
Known inherited genetic variants in the family

A genetic counsellor can assess your individual risk.

Question 34

If I test positive for a cancer gene, does it mean I will get cancer?

Accepted Answer

No. A positive result usually means you have an increased risk—not a certainty. The level of risk depends on the specific gene involved.

Question 35

What happens if I carry a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation?

Accepted Answer

A BRCA1 or BRCA2 variant increases the risk of certain cancers, including breast and ovarian cancer. Your counsellor will discuss screening, prevention options, and whether relatives should consider testing.

Question 36

Should my relatives have genetic testing if I have a positive result?

Accepted Answer

In many cases, your relatives should consider testing. Once an inherited pathogenic variant has been identified, close biological relatives may wish to consider predictive testing to determine whether they have inherited the same variant.

Question 37

Can genetic testing help guide cancer treatment?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Some inherited genetic variants can influence treatment decisions or eligibility for targeted therapies. Your oncology team will determine whether this is relevant to your care.

Question 38

I have a family history of cancer. Do I need more surveillance?

Accepted Answer

Possibly. Depending on your assessed level of risk, enhanced screening or surveillance may be recommended. Your counsellor will explain what is appropriate for your circumstances.

Question 39

Who explains my results?

Accepted Answer

Your results will be explained by your genetic counsellor, who will discuss what they mean for you, your health, and your family.

Question 40

What happens if my result is unclear?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes a result identifies a Variant of Uncertain Significance (VUS). This means there is currently insufficient evidence to know whether the variant causes disease. Your counsellor will explain what this means and whether any further action is recommended.

Question 41

Can genetic testing find something unexpected?

Accepted Answer

Occasionally, testing may identify findings unrelated to the original reason for testing. If this is possible for your test, it will be discussed with you before testing.

Question 42

What does a positive genetic test result mean?

Accepted Answer

A positive result means a clinically significant genetic variant has been identified. Depending on the gene involved, this may explain your condition or indicate an increased future health risk.

Question 43

What does a negative genetic test result mean?

Accepted Answer

A negative result means no disease-causing variant was identified in the genes tested. It does not eliminate all inherited risk or guarantee that a condition will not develop.

Question 44

What does a Variant of Uncertain Significance (VUS) mean?

Accepted Answer

A VUS is a genetic change that has been identified but whose clinical significance is currently unknown. Most VUS results do not change medical management and may be reclassified as more research becomes available.

Question 45

Can genetic results change over time?

Accepted Answer

Your DNA does not change, but scientific knowledge does. Occasionally, genetic variants are reclassified as new evidence emerges.

Question 46

Will my genetic results affect my family members?

Accepted Answer

Potentially. Because genetic variants can be inherited, your results may have implications for your biological relatives.

Question 47

If I have a genetic condition, will my children inherit it?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the specific condition and inheritance pattern. Your counsellor will explain the likelihood of passing on a genetic variant.

Question 48

Should my family members be tested?

Accepted Answer

If an inherited genetic variant is identified, testing may be suggested for close relatives. This is known as cascade testing.

Question 49

Can genetic testing help future generations?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Identifying inherited genetic variants can help relatives understand their own risks and access appropriate screening or preventive care.

Question 50

What if my relatives do not want to know their genetic risks?

Accepted Answer

Genetic testing is always a personal choice. We encourage open communication within families while respecting each individual's right to decide whether they wish to receive genetic information.

Question 51

How is my genetic information protected?

Accepted Answer

Your information is handled confidentially in accordance with UK data protection legislation, including the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

Question 52

Who can access my genetic test results?

Accepted Answer

Your results are only shared with healthcare professionals directly involved in your care, or others with your explicit consent, unless disclosure is required by law.

Question 53

Will my genetic information be shared with anyone?

Accepted Answer

We will not share your genetic information without your permission, except where legally required. With your consent, we can provide reports to your GP, specialist, or other healthcare providers.

Question 54

How long are genetic samples and results stored?

Accepted Answer

Retention periods depend on the laboratory performing your test and applicable legal and regulatory requirements. We will explain how your samples and records are stored before testing, and you can ask us for further information at any time.

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