Genetics

The Genetics Program at North York General Hospital is one of Ontario’s largest regional genetics centres with a strong family-focused approach to patient care. We offer comprehensive diagnostic, counselling and testing services to individuals and families with genetic concerns. The Genetics Program meets the needs of people through all stages of life: from preconception through pregnancy, and from childhood through the adult years.

Genetic testing can:

  • Determine the chance of having a child with a genetic condition or birth defect.
  • Diagnose genetic diseases after symptoms begin
  • Indicate the likelihood of developing an inherited condition such as Huntington disease or hereditary breast cancer later in life.

As one of Ontario’s largest, full service programs, we provide services in several areas:

Our clinical and laboratory facilities are integrated with state-of-the-art equipment. They enhance the ability of our professionals to deliver a full range of consultation, diagnostic and support services.

Clinical Genetics

North York General Hospital provides Clinical Genetics services in the following main areas.

  • Prenatal Genetics
  • General Genetics
  • Cancer Genetics: The Charlotte and Lewis Steinberg Familial Cancer Clinic
  • Neuroprotective Clinic: counselling and testing for hereditary neurodegenerative diseases, including Huntington Disease
  • Multidisciplinary Huntington Disease Clinic

See additional details about Clinical Genetics

Laboratories

North York General Hospital has three large clinical genetics laboratories. We provide a testing service to the region — and serve the entire province for some tests.

  • Cytogenetics
  • Molecular Genetics
  • Maternal Serum Screening

See additional details about laboratories.

Referrals

Patients may be referred to the Genetics Program by their physician or midwife. Referral forms and additional information for NYGH’s Genetics Program.