Genetics Service

The Tasmanian Clinical Genetics Service (TCGS) is based at the Royal Hobart Hospital. We hold Genetics Clinics at:

• Royal Hobart Hospital
• Launceston General Hospital
• North West Regional Hospital, Mersey Campus, Latrobe.

Opening hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Paediatric genetics

Diagnosis, genetic testing and management advice for children with:

• Birth defects
• Intellectual disability
• Developmental delay
• Single-gene disorders
• Chromosomal syndromes.

Reproductive genetics

We provide genetic testing, counselling and advice on reproductive options for couples who are pregnant or planning pregnancy and at high risk of a genetic condition due to:

• Family history
• Consanguinity
• Ethnicity
• High-risk screening test results
• Abnormal ultrasound findings.

Adult genetics

Diagnostic, management advice and predictive/pre-symptomatic testing for adult-onset genetic disorders including:

• Neurological, renal, cardiac, endocrine and metabolic disorders
• Skeletal dysplasias and genetic connective tissue disorders

Familial cancer syndromes

For individuals with a personal or strong family history of cancer, we provide:

• Risk assessment
• Genetic testing
• Cancer risk management advice

How to access our service

Most patients are referred to the TCGS by their GP or specialist who sends a referral letter by mail or fax. On receipt of the referral letter, generally, a genetic counsellor will contact you by phone to:

• Discuss the issue of concern
• Collect relevant family history information
• Arrange an appointment at a clinic in Hobart, Launceston or Latrobe, if needed.

After your appointment you and/or your Doctor will receive a letter summarising:

• The information provided
• Options for next steps
• The outcome of any test results

Family history referrals

• If you are referred because of a family history of cancer, we will require detailed information about the cancer diagnoses in the family.
• You will receive a family history questionnaire and Cancer Registry verification consent form to complete and return to the TCGS.
• The information you provide is used to assess the likelihood of an inherited predisposition to cancer in the family.
• Appointments are generally not offered until a family history questionnaire has been completed.

Fees and charges

• Consultations are free for all Medicare-eligible patients at the Genetics Clinic.
• There are no out-of-pocket costs for genetic testing ordered by the genetic counsellor and/or clinical geneticist unless indicated otherwise.

Contact details

• Phone: 03 6166 8296
• Fax: 03 6173 0328
• Email: [email protected]

Helpful resources

Paediatric Genetics Clinic - What to expect at your appointment