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Accessing genetic testing through the NHS

Updated Tuesday, 4 November 2025

Find out how to access free genetic testing for personalised healthcare through the NHS, what the process involves, and how your results can support diagnosis and treatment.

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Genetic testing (also known as genomic testing) is a promising new health technology which is being rolled out for free in the UK by the National Health Service (NHS).

In this video, made with the support of the NHS Genomic Medicine Service Alliance (GMSA), we explain how to access genetic testing.

Since genetic testing can be used to find changes or variations in genes that cause health problems, we explain why genetic testing is recommended by health professionals in certain situations, how you can go about accessing it through the NHS, what the entire process involves, how the results are interpreted and used to support diagnosis and treatment, and what other considerations should be made.

To understand what genetic testing can tell us about our health, watch our earlier video on Medical uses of genetic testing.

Visit our YouTube playlist to watch more videos from the GRACE Project, or visit our website to find out more.

 

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