The Laboratory Medicine Program's Department of Clinical Laboratory Genetics consists of two Divisions; Genome Diagnostics and Cancer Cytogenetics. These laboratories focus on the use of leading edge genetic technologies to diagnose and monitor disease, as well as to identify biomarkers that can be used for patient management. Laboratory Genetics receives a high volume of both interesting and challenging inherited and acquired disease cases for testing, and constitute the largest clinical cancer genetics testing service in Canada, in an accredited OLA/IQMH and CAP/CLIA environment. The Laboratory is on the forefront of advancements in personalized cancer medicine and utilizes technologies such as next generation sequencing and gene expression analysis to customize medical decisions based on an individual patient's genetic make-up.
Our clinical laboratory analyzes the genetic make-up of patient samples, and can focus specifically on areas in the genome that are prone to mutations in specific disease conditions. It allows the lab to clarify diagnoses and target specific actionable mutations using gene based therapies. This approach facilitates therapy that is more tailored to the individual, and often less toxic.
Both the Genome Diagnostics and cancer Cytogenetics Laboratories test many disease types, with a focus on cancer. With over 30,000 tests performed yearly, the Laboratories test solid tumours such as colon cancer, lung cancer, cervical cancer, and melanoma, as well as hematological disorders such as, lymphoma and leukemia. For certain diseases, such as leukemia, the lab will monitor the changes in gene mutation levels on an ongoing basis, and provide prognoses for patients receiving treatment.
We offer testing for both inherited and acquired disease to physicians and external laboratories, and our
Advanced Molecular Diagnostics Lab is our translational research arm that supports the validation and assessment of new technologies and is an essential component of the Cancer Genomics Program and the Phase 1 Clinical Trials Program at Princess Margaret Cancer Center.
Dr. Tracy Stockley is our Division Head, Clinical Laboratory Genetics.
See who else makes up the
Clinical Laboratory Genetics team.
Available Technologies
- Next Generation Sequencing
- Molecular Profiling
Tests and Consultations
Genome Diagnostics
- Full Oncology services
- DNA and RNA Analysis Including Southern Blot, PCR/RT-PCR, and Quantitative PCR
- Tissue Identification Analysis
Cancer Cytogenetics
- Classical cytogenetics
- Fluorescence in Situ Hybridization (FISH)
For more information on Clinical Genetic testing, see the
Lab Reference Guide.
Contact Information
Clinical Laboratory Genetics, Laboratory Medicine Program, University Health Network
Toronto General Hospital
Eaton Wing 11-444, 200 Elizabeth Street
Toronto, Ontario M5G 2C4
Phone: 416 340 4800 ext. 5739/7624
Fax: 416 340 3596
