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For our people and patients
Welcome to the North Thames Genomic Medicine Service (GMS) hub for patients, carers and the public.
Welcome to the North Thames Genomic Medicine Service (GMS) hub for patients, carers and the public.
The information provided here is intended for NHS patients who use our services and their families, people who live in North London, Mid and South Essex or West Hertfordshire that may need to use our services in the future, and anyone wanting to find out more about genomic testing in the NHS.
Genomics vs Genetics
Genetics is the study of genes and their roles in inheritance – in other words, the way that certain traits or conditions are passed down in the genes from one generation to the next. In healthcare, genetics has typically focused on variations in a single gene when determining the cause of a health condition.
Genomics is an all-encompassing term that takes into account all the DNA in a person’s or organism’s genome – both the genes that code for proteins and the non-coding regions. It looks at how genes are expressed and the interplay between different genes.
Genomics
- The study of an organism’s complete set of genetic information.
- The genome includes both genes (coding) and non-coding DNA.
- ‘Genome’: the complete genetic information of an organism.
Genetics
- The study of heredity.
- The study of the function and composition of single genes.
- ‘Gene’: specific sequence of DNA that codes for a functional molecule.
Intro to North Thames GMS
We are the NHS North Thames Genomic Medicine Service (GMS) and are working to provide equitable access to genomic testing and innovation for people across North London, Hertfordshire and Mid and South Essex.
The North Thames GMS includes the:
- North Thames Genomic Laboratory Hub (GLH), which delivers NHS genomic tests for people in North London, Essex and Hertfordshire,
- North Thames Genomic Medicine Service Alliance (GMSA), which is working to bring genomics into every day NHS care and ensuring all eligible patients can access the tests.
We are part of the NHS Genomic Medicine Service, which is responsible for improving how genomics is used in England. We are one of seven regional services established by the NHS Genomic Medicine Service (GMS), each responsible for coordinating genomics for part of England. You can find out more about our team and how we work here.
We also work closely with Clinical Genetics services in our area. Clinical Genetics is the medical speciality which provides diagnostic testing and genetic counselling for people or families with, or at risk of, conditions which may be linked to their genetics. To find out more about the clinical genetics teams in our area, please visit our Clinical Genetic Services page.
The North Thames GMS isn’t able to answer questions from patients about their tests or respond to requests for tests from patients. Please talk to your doctor or referring clinician if you have questions about your specific situation.
Contact details if having issues with testing
If there is information that you would like to see on the website in the future, please contact us. The North Thames GMS isn’t able to answer questions from patients about their tests or respond to requests for tests from patients. Please talk to your doctor or referring clinician if you have questions about your specific situation.
