[Establishment and management of medical genetic clinic based on genetic testing network.]

With the progress of the Human Genome Project, genetic testing has become widely available and useful for the confirmation and treatment planning of various conditions. Additionally, the need for genetic counseling and consultation service has been increasing. We tried to establish and manage a medical genetic clinic within the department of laboratory medicine by using a genetic testing network.

An Inter-laboratory network has been organized between Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital and Samsung Medical Center since January, 2005. As clinical laboratory physicians, we provide medical services ranging from genetic counseling to genetic testing. In this study we surveyed the need and demand for genetic consultation services using a questionnaire.

Of the 30 cases that were requested to receive a genetic consultation, 24 were referred to the genetic clinic during the last 11 months. Of these, 18 underwent genetic tests. The request for genetic consultation came mainly from neurology, obstetrics, and pediatrics departments and the distribution of requested disease entities was very heterogeneous. Operating processes became more settled compared to the early period and specific work fields were secured in the genetic consultation services. Over 80% of the respondents replied that a medical genetic clinic was important and that public relations campaign should be continued.

Establishment of a medical genetic clinic by using a genetic testing network has led to important changes that the department of laboratory medicine is most suitable for genetic testing and medical genetic consultations and laboratory physicians should be concerned in that field. A medical genetic consultation system based on extensive genetic information and knowledge could enhance opportunities for cooperation in genetic research.