Personalised Genetics Services
What Are Personalised Genetics Services?
Personalised Genetics Services provide an individualised approach to understanding genetic and genomic information in relation to a person’s specific circumstances, questions and goals. Rather than considering genetic information in isolation, this approach looks at how relevant findings may be understood alongside the wider context of the individual.
Personalised Genetics Services may involve reviewing genetic or genomic information, considering relevant personal and family context, and identifying which aspects may be most relevant to the question being explored. The exact approach depends on the information available and the individual’s specific needs.
Unlike Genetic Testing, which involves laboratory analysis to investigate a defined genetic question, Personalised Genetics Services focus on putting genetic information into an individual context. They may help clarify what information is relevant, what it may mean and whether further specialist assessment could be appropriate.
At London Genetics, the aim is to provide a more tailored way of exploring genomic information, helping individuals understand their genetic profile in the context of their own circumstances rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach.
How Do Personalised Genetics Services Work?
Personalised Genetics Services begin with understanding the individual, the question they want to explore and the genetic or genomic information available. This helps ensure that the information considered is relevant to the person’s specific circumstances rather than being viewed in isolation.
The process may involve reviewing existing genetic results, relevant personal or family information and other factors that may provide useful context. Where previous genetic results require further assessment, Genetic Test Re-analysis may also be considered where appropriate.
The available information can then be considered in relation to the individual’s goals and circumstances. This may help identify which findings are most relevant, where uncertainty remains and whether further specialist assessment or another genetic service could be appropriate.
The exact approach varies from person to person. Personalised Genetics Services are designed to provide a tailored understanding of genetic information rather than applying the same approach to everyone.
What Can Personalised Genetics Services Help Explore?
Personalised Genetics Services can help explore different aspects of genetic and genomic information in relation to an individual’s circumstances, questions and goals. The focus is on understanding what information may be relevant and how it can be considered in a personal context.
| Area | What May Be Explored | Personalised Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Genetic and Genomic Information | Existing genetic or genomic findings and information that may be relevant to the individual. | Considering findings in relation to the person’s specific circumstances and questions. |
| Personal and Family Context | Relevant personal or family information that may provide additional context. | Helping determine which aspects of the genetic information may be most relevant. |
| Individual Goals and Questions | The specific reason for exploring genetic or genomic information. | Focusing the assessment around the individual’s priorities and objectives. |
| Relevant Genetic Factors | Genetic factors that may be relevant to the question being explored. | Considering genetic information alongside other relevant individual factors. |
| Possible Next Steps | Areas where further information, interpretation or specialist assessment may be useful. | Helping identify an appropriate direction based on the individual’s circumstances and needs. |
The value of a personalised approach is the context. Genetic and genomic information can be considered alongside the individual’s circumstances, questions and goals rather than treated as a standalone result.
Why Is Personalisation Important in Genomic Care?
Genetic and genomic information does not always have the same relevance for every person. The meaning and usefulness of a finding can depend on factors such as the individual’s circumstances, personal and family context, the available evidence and the question being explored.
Personalisation helps ensure that genomic information is considered in the right context. Rather than focusing only on an individual genetic finding, a personalised approach can bring together relevant information to identify what may be most meaningful to the person and their specific goals.
This can be particularly important when genomic information is complex, uncertain or influenced by several factors. Considering the wider context may help distinguish established information from areas where evidence is still developing and clarify whether further specialist assessment could be appropriate.
For this reason, Personalised Genetics Services can provide a more individualised way of exploring genomic information. The aim is not to assume that one genetic finding will lead to the same implications for everyone, but to consider the information in relation to the person it concerns.
How Are Genetic and Genomic Information Considered in Context?
Genetic and genomic information is considered alongside the circumstances in which it arises. This may include the individual’s personal and family history, the reason for exploring their genetic information, relevant health information and the scientific evidence available at the time.
The same genetic finding may not have the same relevance in every situation. Considering the wider context can help identify which information is most relevant to the individual’s question and whether other factors should also be taken into account.
A personalised approach may also consider the quality and limitations of the available information. Where evidence is uncertain or still developing, this uncertainty should remain part of the overall picture rather than being presented as a definite conclusion. In more complex cases, Genomics Consulting may provide additional specialist genomic context.
By bringing these elements together, Personalised Genetics Services can help provide a clearer and more individualised understanding of genetic and genomic information. Where a specific finding requires detailed specialist assessment, a separate interpretation or clinical service may be more appropriate.
What Factors May Be Considered in a Personalised Genetics Approach?
A Personalised Genetics Approach considers genetic and genomic information alongside relevant individual factors. The specific factors considered depend on the question being explored, the information available and the purpose of the service.
| Factor | What May Be Considered | Why It May Matter |
|---|---|---|
| Genetic and Genomic Findings | Existing genetic results, genomic data or other relevant findings. | Provides the genetic information that is being explored. |
| Personal History | Relevant personal health information and circumstances. | Helps place genetic information within the individual’s wider context. |
| Family History | Relevant patterns or information within the family, where available. | May provide additional context when considering genetic information. |
| Individual Goals | The person’s priorities, concerns and reasons for exploring their genetic information. | Keeps the approach focused on the individual’s specific needs and questions. |
| Scientific Evidence | Relevant scientific evidence and the current understanding of the findings. | Helps distinguish established information from areas where evidence may still be developing. |
| Wider Context | Other relevant information that may affect how genomic findings are understood. | Supports a more balanced and individualised view of the available information. |
Personalisation is about bringing relevant information together. Considering genetic findings alongside personal circumstances, goals and available evidence can provide a more meaningful context for understanding genomic information.
From Genomic Information to Personalised Insights
Genomic information can provide valuable insight, but its relevance often depends on the person and the question being explored. A personalised approach looks beyond individual findings to consider how genetic information relates to the individual’s circumstances, goals and available evidence.
This may involve bringing together existing genetic or genomic findings with relevant personal and family information, while considering the current scientific understanding. The aim is to identify which information may be most relevant and where uncertainty or limitations should be recognised.
Personalised Genetics Services can therefore help turn complex genomic information into a clearer, more individualised picture. This does not mean that every finding will have a clear or actionable implication, but it can help establish what is currently understood and whether further specialist assessment may be appropriate.
How Can Personalised Genetics Support Individual Decision-Making?
Personalised Genetics Services can help individuals understand relevant genomic information in context and consider possible next steps based on their own circumstances, questions and goals.
Define the Question
Identify the specific reason for exploring genetic or genomic information and what the individual wants to understand.
Review Relevant Information
Consider available genetic findings alongside relevant personal, family and other contextual information.
Consider the Evidence
Review what is currently understood about the relevant genomic information and recognise areas of uncertainty where appropriate.
Put Findings Into Context
Consider how the available information relates to the individual rather than treating a genetic finding as an isolated result.
Consider Possible Next Steps
Identify whether further information, specialist assessment or another appropriate genetic service may be worth considering.
Who May Benefit From Personalised Genetics Services?
Personalised Genetics Services may be useful for individuals who want to understand genetic or genomic information in relation to their own circumstances, questions and goals. The service can be relevant whether someone already has genetic information available or is exploring whether further genomic assessment may be appropriate.
Individuals with existing genetic information may benefit when they want to understand how available findings relate to their personal circumstances. A personalised approach can help place genetic information within a wider context rather than considering an isolated result on its own.
People exploring their health and genetic profile may also seek personalised genetics support when they have specific questions about how genetic information could be relevant to them. The appropriate approach depends on the question, the information available and the current scientific evidence.
Individuals with complex or uncertain genomic information may benefit from a structured review when they are unsure which findings are relevant or whether further specialist assessment could be appropriate. Personalised genetics can help clarify the available information while recognising its limitations and uncertainties.
The service may therefore suit people with different reasons for exploring genomics. The key consideration is whether an individualised approach to genetic and genomic information could provide useful context for the question they are trying to understand.
How Are Personalised Genetics Services Different From Genetic Testing and Genetic Counselling?
Personalised Genetics Services, Genetic Testing and Genetic Counselling can all involve genetic information, but they serve different purposes. Personalised Genetics Services focus on understanding genomic information in relation to the individual, while testing investigates DNA and counselling focuses on genetic risk, implications and informed choices.
| Aspect | Personalised Genetics Services | Genetic Testing | Genetic Counselling |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Purpose | To understand genetic and genomic information in relation to an individual’s circumstances and goals. | To analyse DNA and investigate specific genetic variants or changes. | To explore genetic risk, implications, concerns and available options. |
| Main Focus | Individual context, relevant genomic information and personal goals. | Laboratory analysis of a biological sample. | Risk assessment, communication and informed decision-making. |
| What It May Involve | Reviewing available genetic information alongside relevant personal, family and scientific context. | Analysis of blood, saliva or another appropriate biological sample. | Discussion of personal and family history, genetic concerns and possible implications. |
| Requires Genetic Testing? | Not necessarily. Existing genetic or genomic information may be considered where relevant. | Yes. The service involves laboratory analysis of a biological sample. | No. Counselling can take place before or without genetic testing. |
| Typical Outcome | A more individualised understanding of relevant genetic or genomic information and possible next steps. | A laboratory report showing whether specific genetic findings were detected. | A clearer understanding of genetic risk, implications and available options. |
These services are different but can complement one another. Personalised Genetics Services focus on the individual context of genomic information, while Genetic Testing investigates DNA and Genetic Counselling helps people understand genetic risk and its possible implications.
How Personalised Genetics Services Can Fit Into Your Wider Care
Personalised Genetics Services can form part of a wider approach to understanding an individual’s genetic and genomic information. Depending on the question being explored, personalised genomic insights may complement other genetic or clinical services rather than replace them.
For example, an individual may already have genetic information from previous Genetic Testing that they want to understand in relation to their own circumstances. In other situations, a personalised approach may help clarify whether further genetic assessment or specialist input could be appropriate.
The role of Personalised Genetics Services can also vary according to the individual’s needs. Some people may require only a focused review of available information, while others may benefit from additional genetic, genomic or clinical assessment as part of their wider care.
The aim is to ensure that relevant genomic information is considered within the appropriate context. Where a broader and more integrated approach to genetic medicine is required, Genetic Medicine Programmes may provide a more suitable pathway.
How London Genetics Provides Personalised Genetics Services
At London Genetics, Personalised Genetics Services are tailored around the individual’s genetic information, circumstances and specific questions. The approach focuses on providing relevant genomic context rather than applying a standardised pathway to everyone.
Understand Your Individual Context
- Consider the specific question, goals and circumstances that are relevant to you.
- Review available genetic or genomic information alongside relevant personal and family context.
- Focus on the information that is most relevant to the reason for seeking support.
Put Genomic Information Into Context
- Consider relevant scientific evidence and the current understanding of available findings.
- Recognise limitations or uncertainty where the evidence is not conclusive.
- Develop a clearer, more individualised understanding of the genomic information being explored.
Consider Appropriate Next Steps
- Identify whether further genetic, genomic or clinical assessment may be appropriate.
- Consider whether another specialist service may better address the individual’s needs.
- Keep the approach focused on informed consideration rather than a one-size-fits-all recommendation.
What Are the Potential Benefits of Personalised Genetics Services?
Personalised Genetics Services can help make complex genetic and genomic information more relevant to the individual. By considering genomic findings alongside personal circumstances, goals and available evidence, the approach may provide a clearer understanding of what information is relevant and what it may mean in context.
One potential benefit is greater clarity around genetic information. Instead of viewing a genetic finding as an isolated result, a personalised approach considers the wider context in which it occurs and helps distinguish relevant information from findings that may have limited significance for the question being explored.
Personalisation may also support more informed consideration of possible next steps. Depending on the circumstances, this could include further genetic assessment, specialist interpretation, clinical evaluation or another appropriate service.
Another benefit is a more individualised approach to genomic information. People can have different circumstances, questions and priorities, so considering these factors may provide a more meaningful framework than applying the same approach to everyone.
Overall, the potential value of Personalised Genetics Services lies in bringing relevant genetic information, individual context and current scientific evidence together. The aim is to support clearer understanding and informed consideration, while recognising that genomic information does not always provide a definitive answer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Personalised Genetics Services
What are Personalised Genetics Services?
Personalised Genetics Services provide an individualised approach to understanding genetic and genomic information in relation to a person’s circumstances, questions and goals.
How do Personalised Genetics Services work?
The approach may involve reviewing available genetic or genomic information alongside relevant personal, family and scientific context. The exact process depends on the individual’s needs and the question being explored.
Do Personalised Genetics Services require genetic testing?
Not necessarily. Existing genetic or genomic information may be considered where relevant. If further testing is appropriate, this can be considered separately based on the specific question.
How are Personalised Genetics Services different from Genetic Testing?
Genetic Testing involves laboratory analysis of a biological sample to investigate genetic variants or changes. Personalised Genetics Services focus on understanding available genetic information in the context of the individual.
How are Personalised Genetics Services different from Genetic Counselling?
Genetic Counselling primarily focuses on genetic risk, its possible implications and informed decision-making. Personalised Genetics Services focus more broadly on considering genomic information in relation to an individual’s circumstances and goals.
Who may benefit from Personalised Genetics Services?
They may be useful for people who have existing genetic information, specific questions about their genomic profile or complex information that they want to understand in a more individualised context.
Can Personalised Genetics Services provide a diagnosis?
Not necessarily. Personalised Genetics Services are intended to provide context and understanding of genetic information. Where a diagnostic assessment is required, an appropriate clinical or specialist service may be recommended.
Can Personalised Genetics Services be part of wider care?
Yes. Depending on the individual’s circumstances, personalised genomic insights may complement Genetic Testing, Genetic Counselling or other genetic and clinical services.
Explore Personalised Genetics With London Genetics
Personalised Genetics Services provide an individualised way to explore genetic and genomic information in relation to your circumstances, questions and goals. Rather than applying the same approach to everyone, the focus is on understanding which information may be most relevant to you.
At London Genetics, we consider available genetic or genomic information alongside relevant personal and family context and the current scientific evidence. Where appropriate, this may help clarify areas of uncertainty and identify whether further genetic, genomic or clinical assessment could be considered.
Our approach is designed to provide clearer context around complex genomic information and support informed consideration of possible next steps, while recognising that genetic information does not always provide a definitive answer.
If you would like to explore your genetic or genomic information in a more individualised context, contact London Genetics to discuss whether Personalised Genetics Services may be appropriate for you.
Explore Personalised Genetics