how long for genetic testing results?

[lisad123]

how long after blood tests did you get results?
Were you called back for another appointment?

[MangoMonster]

We're waiting for results of a micro array, told 3-4 months and we will be called for another appointment, so all in all might be 6 months since the actual tests. Think it does depend on the test and the borough.

[Herecomestheninkynonk]

Hi Lisad

It's horrible waiting isn't it.

Tbh, the length will depend on what they are looking for - the long established tests for relatively common abnormalities can take a few weeks. More detailed complex tests take longer, as Mango said more like 3-4 months. In our case (DS has a microdeletion), it took about 3 months. He was in SCBU for the whole time so the genetisist regularly popped in to update us. If you have a genetist or other medic who requested the tests, don't be afraid to give them a bell after a few weeks to see if they've had the results.

At the very least it might prompt them to call the centre where the tests are being conducted to see how things are progressing.

Hope you don't have to wait too long.

[NoodlesMam]

My DD2 has had a few genetic tests and the waiting for news is just horrible. I'm not sure exactly what the tests are called but the first one to check for a deletion came back in around 6 weeks, the samples were then sent to check for mutations and these took around 10 weeks to come back, the next test was a high resolution chromosome analysis and these results took 9 weeks to come back. To be honest though, I've never waited for a letter, I've always asked how long the test results should take and then phoned the geneticists secretary when the time is up. In my experience the doctors/secretaries don't mind and are used to anxious parents giving them a call. When the secretary has confirmed the results are back I have asked her to get the geneticist to call me, which he does within 24 hours, or his secretary calls and says the results are blah and the doctor will write to you. In my daughter's case tho the results have always come back clear and so maybe this is why the Geneticist is able to discuss over the phone? No harm in you giving them a call anyway

[lisad123]

wont call yet, it was only a week ago we saw them, and had testing but forgot to ask how long, so was wondering

[r3dh3d]

Agree it's very variable; depends on the test (some need more DNA than others I think so get cultured for longer) but also how specialised the test is. Some have to be batched up and then put in a queue at a specific lab.

One of DD1's results took A YEAR to come back, though afaik it was because the main person in the lab was long-term sick and then once the sample got to the head of the queue, the lab lost it. So I think it's worth calling the department and at least finding out when you might reasonably expect to hear, or you could be on tentahooks for ages.

[MangoMonster]

Agree, definitely call, that's what I did when in the same position.

[steelev48]

My son had one of these tests done in August and we have an appointment to discuss the results in January. I'm not a patient person when it comes to things like this and I'm finding the wait unbearable!

[MangoMonster]

It is unbearable.

[elliejjtiny]

We're going through that at the moment. The waiting times have got shorter over time. DS2 had the microarray test done 2 years ago and it took a year (then they decided they didn't have enough blood!) DS3 had it done this summer and results were back in 2 months but then we had to wait 4 months for an appointment with a geneticist to explain it (still waiting). Now they want me, dh, and ds2 to have the test but we haven't got the forms yet despite me pestering the hv and the paed. I am climbing the walls.

[SWANUK]

Hi all, my name is lauren and i am the project coordinator for SWAN UK which is a support project for families with children with undiagnosed genetic conditions / who are going through the process of diagnosis. If you would like to be able to chat to other families in similar situations to you and access information about genetics please do come and find us on facebook under SWANchildrenUK or check out our blog //www.swanuk.wordpress.com. You can also contact me directly on [email protected] or 0207 7043141.Take care and good luck, Lauren