The Cytogenetics laboratory is a component of the Northern Genetics Service, based in the Institute for Human Genetics and is part of Newcastle Hospitals NHS Trust.

The laboratory undertakes chromosome analysis (karyotyping) for two clinical purposes

• to identify constitutional (congenital) karyotype abnormalities which may be associated with problems in either individual development and / or familial reproductive problems.
• to detect cancer-related (acquired, non-heritable) chromosome aberrations in haematological malignancies and in paediatric solid tumours.

Increasingly, classical cytogenetic analysis is supplemented by molecular cytogenetic techniques, especially fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). 

The laboratory operates within the Professional Guidelines of the Association of Clinical Cytogeneticists and participates in the UKNEQAS external quality assurance scheme for Cytogenetics.

The laboratory is accredited by Clinical Pathology Accreditation

Clinical Scientists and MLSO staff are State Registered with the Health Professions Council after the required period of training.