Medical Genetics Services

We assess individuals and families with known or possible genetic diagnoses.  We assist individuals and their families through the process of identifying a genetic diagnosis, provide management recommendations and provide information and support to help patients decide on the best course of care for themselves or their family.    

We serve individuals and families on Vancouver Island and within the Island Health catchment area.

• Children and adults may be referred for genetic assessment and counselling for a variety of reasons:
• evaluation and diagnosis of genetic conditions
• parent(s) who have had a previous pregnancy or child with a birth defect, developmental delay or a known or suspected genetic condition
• a family history of a birth defect or a known or suspected genetic condition

Service Locations

Appointments are provided in person though clinics at the Victoria General Hospital, Nanaimo Regional General Hospital and at outreach clinics when possible at other locations on Vancouver Island. We also use BC Virtual Visit or Phone whichever is the best option.

General Genetic Testing Information

For Physicians:

Please see Genome Diagnostics BC for test information and requisition for genetic testing that can be ordered by any physician in BC.

Please see Out-of-Province & Out-of-Country Laboratory or Genetic Test Funding Request for test information and forms for out of province and out of country genetic testing.

For Patients:

Please see Genetic Testing and Screening from HealthLink BC for an overview of genetic testing and screening.

Vancouver Island Medical Genetics Referral Forms

BCIAP Victoria Referral Form

General Referral Form

Prenatal Referral Form

Release of Information Form

Related Services

Provincial Medical Genetics Program

Individuals located on Mainland BC should be referred to the Provincial Medical Genetics Program  through BC Women’s Hospital and Health Centre.

Provincial Medical Genetics Program Referral Form

Hereditary Cancer Program

The Hereditary Cancer Program provides genetic counselling and genetic testing for BC/Yukon residents who may have inherited an increased risk for certain types of cancer. Similar services are available across Canada and in other countries.

Hereditary Cancer Program Referral Form

Adult Metabolic Disease Clinic

The Adult Metabolic Clinic at Gordon and Leslie Diamond Health Care Centre helps people with metabolic disorders achieve optimum control of their condition and maximize their quality of life through assessment, treatment, monitoring, support and education.

A referral from a physician is required for this clinic.

Physicians:

Consider referring your patient to the Adult Metabolic Disease Clinic for a diagnostic evaluation in these (not-exhaustive) situations in particular: unusual persistent lab findings, high lactates, hyperammonemia, low alkaline phosphatase, high homocysteine, hepatosplenomegaly, multi-organ dysfunction, recurrent rhabdomyolysis, ophthalmoplegia, ataxia, movement disorders, large fiber neuropathy, white matter disease, early onset dementia, strokes that cross vascular territories, basal ganglia calcifications, metabolic acidosis, or the combination of sensorineural hearing loss with diabetes.

Biochemical Genetics at BC Children’s Hospital

The Biochemical Genetics Clinic provides assessment, treatment, and follow-up care to children throughout B.C. and Yukon who have inborn errors of metabolism, liver disease, and a variety of disorders affecting nutrition and growth.

A referral from a Family Doctor or Pediatrician is required to use this clinic.

Physicians:

Write your own referral and mail or fax it to 604-875-2349. Include recent lab results and assessments.