The 31-gene panel uses targeted DNA sequencing with >99% accuracy for detecting pathogenic variants. Every variant identified undergoes secondary confirmation testing. We test for genes with established, peer-reviewed cancer associations—not speculative or low-evidence genes. The panel is regularly updated as new evidence emerges.

No. A positive result indicates increased lifetime risk, not certainty. Risk varies dramatically by gene:

• BRCA1/BRCA2 carriers: 45–87% breast cancer risk over lifetime; many never develop it
• Lynch Syndrome: 70–80% colorectal cancer risk if untreated; colonoscopy surveillance reduces this to ~5%
• PTEN (Cowden): 50% breast, 35% thyroid risk; managed with early screening

Personalised surveillance, preventative options, and lifestyle optimisation significantly reduce actual risk. Many positive carriers live cancer-free lives due to early detection.

Step 1: Book consultation. Your doctor discusses family history, personal risk factors, and whether testing is right for you.

Step 2: Consent & sample collection. Sign informed consent. Provide saliva sample (can be done at clinic or at home—we post collection kit).

Step 3: Laboratory analysis. Sample sent to Cambridge Clinical Laboratories. Full sequencing of 31 genes (4–6 weeks).

Step 4: Results consultation. Your doctor calls you personally to discuss results. Detailed written report follows. If positive, genetic counselling is scheduled within 1–2 weeks.

Step 5: Personalised pathway. Counsellor discusses surveillance plan, preventative options, family communication strategy. Ongoing support.

A positive result triggers a structured pathway:

1. Genetic Counselling (Included, complimentary)

Specialist reviews your variant, inheritance pattern, personal/familial risks, and surveillance recommendations aligned with current guidelines (NICE, ASCO, NCCN).

2. Personalised Surveillance Plan

BRCA carriers: Earlier and more frequent breast/ovarian imaging. Lynch Syndrome: Annual colonoscopies starting 20–30 years old. TP53 (Li-Fraumeni): Full-body surveillance protocol. Exact plan depends on your specific variant.

3. Preventative Discussions

Depending on your gene and risk level, options may include preventative surgery (e.g., prophylactic mastectomy/oophorectomy for BRCA carriers), pharmaceutical prevention, or enhanced screening.

4. Family Communication

Genetic counsellor helps you communicate results to relatives. At-risk family members can pursue targeted testing (cheaper/faster than full panel).

Timeline: 4–6 weeks from sample collection to results. Your doctor will phone you personally to discuss findings—not a letter, a conversation.

Your Report Includes:

• Summary of each gene tested and variants detected
• Clinical significance of any pathogenic variants (inheritance, penetrance, cancer types)
• Personalised risk estimates for your identified variants
• Surveillance recommendations aligned with national guidelines
• Preventative options specific to your variant
• Family carrier screening recommendations
• Genetic counselling resources

Absolutely. Your genetic data is protected under strict confidentiality protocols:

• GDPR Compliant: Data retention, access, and deletion rights governed by UK/EU regulations
• Your Ownership: Results remain yours. You control all access and distribution
• Family Confidentiality: You decide whether and when to inform relatives
• No Third-Party Sharing: Data is never sold, shared with insurers, or disclosed without explicit consent (except legally required)
• Secure Storage: Results stored on encrypted, access-controlled systems
• Retention Policy: Results retained indefinitely at your request, or deleted per your instruction

Your genetic information is treated with the same confidentiality as any medical record.

NHS Genetic Testing

• Requires specialist referral (GP → genetics clinic)
• BRCA testing only for most patients (doesn't include other 29 genes)
• Requires strong family history or specific criteria
• 6–36 month waiting list (varies by region)
• Free at point of access
• Genetic counselling included

Private at TPD

• 31-gene panel (comprehensive, not BRCA-only)
• No referral needed—book directly
• No family history requirement
• 4–6 week turnaround
• £950 all-inclusive (no hidden fees)
• Genetic counselling included if positive
• Same doctor continuity throughout
• Integration with other screening services (MRI, TruCheck)

Some private medical insurance plans cover genetic testing if clinically indicated. Coverage varies by provider and policy.

What we recommend:

• Check your insurance policy or call your provider with policy number
• Ask: "Does my plan cover genetic cancer screening/testing?"
• Ask: "Is there a referral requirement or prior authorisation needed?"

If yes, ask for referral form—we can submit it

If insurance doesn't cover, the £950 cost is fixed, transparent, and includes everything (no additional charges for counselling or follow-up).

Yes, but with important caveats.

If Your Result is Negative:

Family members may feel reassured, but a negative result in you doesn't rule out risk in them (variants can arise de novo—spontaneously).

If Your Result is Positive:

At-risk relatives can pursue targeted genetic testing—testing only for your specific variant. This is faster (2–3 weeks) and lower cost (~£300–400) than the full 31-gene panel. 

During your genetic counselling, we discuss who should be offered testing and help you communicate with family.

Absolutely. In fact, we recommend it for a comprehensive risk assessment.

Genetic Screening + Full Body MRI

If you carry a high-risk variant, MRI provides structural baseline imaging before you develop symptoms. Essential for proactive surveillance.

Genetic Screening + TruCheck Multi-Cancer

If positive, TruCheck offers early tumour cell detection as part of ongoing surveillance. Catches cancers at earlier stages.

Genetic Screening + Executive Health MOT

Our 4-hour MOT integrates genetic risk into a full cardiac, cancer, and metabolic assessment. Best for executives seeking comprehensive baseline.

Your genetic risk informs recommendations across all these services. Integrated approach = smarter surveillance.