National Genetics Reference Laboratories

Supporting the Genetic service Network

The National Genetics Reference Laboratories in Manchester & Wessex were established in 2002 as an initiative by the Department of Health to support the UK genetic laboratory services. While based in England, the laboratories work closely with genetic service providers in all of the UK home countries.

The laboratories work in close conjunction with the Manchester and Wessex Regional Genetics Laboratories, which provide NHS diagnostic services for their local populations. The NGRLs are well placed to evaluate technologies and systems that are close to service or in service and assess their applicability to the National Health Service.

The specific remit of the laboratories includes:

• Technology development, assessment and validation
• Developing new quality management systems
• Developing reference and control reagents
• Developing information systems for genetics
• Providing advice to government and other bodies

This remit has been translated into complementary work programmes for the two laboratories. The laboratories work closely with the genetics community and we welcome feedback on our work programmes and suggestions for future projects

Manchester

Mr Andrew Devereau
NGRL Manchester
St Mary's Hospital
Hathersage Road
Manchester M13 0JH

Phone: 0161 276 8703
Fax: 0161 276 6606
andrew.devereau@cmmc.nhs.uk

Wessex

Phone: 01722 429080
Fax: 01722 338095
n.c.p.cross@soton.ac.uk