Download the Genetics lab app here and click on Genetics for information for Healthcare professionals.

Information for Patients and Parents

In order to be referred to our service, we require a referral letter from your GP or other medical professional; as recommended by the Medical Council.

Please download the following document which provides details on how to be referred.

Click link here: How to be referred 

Patient information

Please note:

1. The laboratories cannot accept direct enquiries from patients. If you have a query about your genetics test‚ please refer to the doctor who ordered the test. Ask them to contact us on your behalf if they cannot answer your query in full.

2. DCG consultants cannot answer enquiries from patients via e-mail. If you have a clinical question for a consultant, please telephone or write to the DCG Consultant concerned using the numbers provided in the Contact Us section.

3. Please read your appointment information carefully to ensure you attend the right clinic (for Dublin clinics it could be either CHI at Crumlin or Temple Street).

4. Parking is limited so please allow yourself enough time to attend for your appointment on time.

The genetics clinic is publicly funded. Families are frequently referred to our department for a number of reasons:

- Families who are concerned about a known or suspected genetic condition such as cystic fibrosis, Huntington disease, inherited heart disease, chromosome disorder, muscular dystrophy or other conditions.

- Where there is a concern about a child in a family who has learning delay and /or dysmorphic features.

- After the diagnosis of foetal abnormality or foetal loss during a pregnancy or in the neonatal period.

- Families in which there is a strong history of cancer.

There are often many questions families would like to know answers to. Write down any questions you might have and take them with you to the clinic.  We commonly get asked:

- What is the diagnosis?

- Why did it happen?

- What are the chances of it happening again?

Generally, we take a family tree. If, for whatever reason, you do not know your family tree in detail please don’t worry as it is important, but not essential, for your appointment.  We may need to examine you or your child. Occasionally we will suggest taking a blood sample but only if it is found to be helpful in answering your questions. The Department of Clinical Genetics routinely takes photographs of people we are asked to see. Photographs are often one of the most important “tests” we do. We always ask for permission to take photographs. Your consultation is confidential. Your appointment will last approximately 45 - 60 minutes and you will receive a summary letter following your appointment that will outline the main issues discussed. You are welcome to telephone us before the clinic. We will do our best to answer any queries you might have. If you cannot attend your clinic appointment please let us know in advance so we can give the appointment to someone else on the waiting list.

If your family is already known to the Department of Clinical Genetics, please contact the department directly. We will take your details over the phone and you could be put on our waiting list if clinically required.

Appointments

We ask that once you are given an appointment that you contact the department to confirm, defer or cancel that appointment as soon as possible. Due to our long waiting lists, we do not automatically offer repeat appointments to those who fail to attend.