Medical Genetics Laboratories

Genetic Services at UCSD are dedicated to providing service, furthering education and conducting research.

The department is committed to the delivery of high quality, state-of-the-art genetic services and offer the advantage of local genetic counselors and other professionals for physician and patient consultation.

As Southern California's comprehensive genetic services provider, UC San Diego's Genetic Services are the community resource in the rapidly advancing field of genetics.

If you are seeking genetic testing for inherited cancers, please see our Cancer Genetics site.

Genetic Testing

Staffed by highly trained licensed professionals and laboratory personnel, the Cytogenetics Laboratory and the Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory utilize the latest advances in diagnostic assay technology to provide physicians with an extensive menu of cytogenetic, FISH, and molecular tests. The laboratories work closely with the Division's board certified medical geneticists and genetic counselors to ensure timely interpretation of laboratory results for health care professionals and their patients.

• Molecular Analysis
  The Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory performs DNA and RNA based testing for determination of carrier status, prenatal and postnatal diagnosis of disease, identification of acquired mutations, and predictive analysis of future disease.
• Chromosomal Analysis
  The Cytogenetics Laboratory is a full service diagnostic facility including high resolution chromosomal analysis, FISH analysis (see below), and cancer cytogenetics.
• FISH (Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization)
  The Cytogenetics Laboratory provides fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis which is a technique that identifies chromosomal abnormalities by painting chromosomes or portions of chromosomes with fluorescent molecules.
• Microarray Analysis
  The Cytogenetics Laboratory provides microarray analysis to detect copy number changes in constitutional, prenatal and leukemic studies.