Uploaded November 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Genetic testing, also known as genomic testing, is a promising new health technology which is being rolled out for free in the UK by the National Health Service (NHS).
In this video, made with the support of NHS Genomic Medicine Service Alliance (GMSA), we explain how to access genetic testing.
Since genetic testing can be used to find changes or variations in genes that cause health problems, we explain why genetic testing is recommended by health professionals in certain situations, how you can go about accessing it through the NHS, what the entire process involves, how the results are interpreted and used to support diagnosis and treatment, and what the considerations are.
To understand what genetic testing can tell us about our health, watch our earlier video on ‘Medical uses of genetic testing’.
Read the article: https://www.open.edu/openlearn/science-maths-technology/accessing-genetic-testing-through-the-nhs
Transcript link - media-podcast.open.ac.uk/feeds/3998_youtubeuploadsfriday/20251028T165248_The_GRACE_Project-A_journey_through_accessing_NHS_genetic_and_genomic_testing.pdf
More about the GRACE project www5.open.ac.uk/research-projects/grace/node/1?nocache=657af90670956
The GRACE Project Playlist youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhQpDGfX5e7ArKW3OljeJOho0QHuQPfwb
CC by nc sa licence eur01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcreativecommons.org%2Flicenses%2Fby-nc-sa%2F4.0%2Fdeed.en&data=05%7C01%7Cclaudia.torres%40open.ac.uk%7Cae72a9942e4840706f7508dbe1c9b6c9%7C0e2ed45596af4100bed3a8e5fd981685%7C0%7C0%7C638352028684393336%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=FrBO1VS9CZVs7A155Ci%2FgumpsSpuUz8MUsAYrHacEcU%3D&reserved=0
Study free course on What do genes do? at the Open University https://www.open.edu/openlearn/science-maths-technology/biology/what-do-genes-do/content-section-0?active-tab=description-tab
Study the module S317 Biological science: from genes to species open.ac.uk/courses/modules/s317
The Open University is the world’s leading provider of flexible, high-quality online degrees and distance learning, serving students across the globe with highly respected degree qualifications, and the triple-accredited MBA. The OU teaches through its own unique method of distance learning, called ‘supported open learning’ and you do not need any formal qualifications to study with us, just commitment and a desire to find out what you are capable of.
Free learning from The Open University
http://www.open.edu/openlearn/
For more like this subscribe to the Open University channel
youtube.com/channel/UCXsH4hSV_kEdAOsupMMm4Qw
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#theOpenUniversity #genetics
Genetic testing, also known as genomic testing, is a promising new health technology which is being rolled out for free in the UK by the National Health Service (NHS).
In this video, made with the support of NHS Genomic Medicine Service Alliance (GMSA), we explain how to access genetic testing.
Since genetic testing can be used to find changes or variations in genes that cause health problems, we explain why genetic testing is recommended by health professionals in certain situations, how you can go about accessing it through the NHS, what the entire process involves, how the results are interpreted and used to support diagnosis and treatment, and what the considerations are.
To understand what genetic testing can tell us about our health, watch our earlier video on ‘Medical uses of genetic testing’.
Read the article: https://www.open.edu/openlearn/science-maths-technology/accessing-genetic-testing-through-the-nhs
Transcript link - media-podcast.open.ac.uk/feeds/3998_youtubeuploadsfriday/20251028T165248_The_GRACE_Project-A_journey_through_accessing_NHS_genetic_and_genomic_testing.pdf
More about the GRACE project www5.open.ac.uk/research-projects/grace/node/1?nocache=657af90670956
The GRACE Project Playlist youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhQpDGfX5e7ArKW3OljeJOho0QHuQPfwb
CC by nc sa licence eur01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcreativecommons.org%2Flicenses%2Fby-nc-sa%2F4.0%2Fdeed.en&data=05%7C01%7Cclaudia.torres%40open.ac.uk%7Cae72a9942e4840706f7508dbe1c9b6c9%7C0e2ed45596af4100bed3a8e5fd981685%7C0%7C0%7C638352028684393336%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=FrBO1VS9CZVs7A155Ci%2FgumpsSpuUz8MUsAYrHacEcU%3D&reserved=0
Study free course on What do genes do? at the Open University https://www.open.edu/openlearn/science-maths-technology/biology/what-do-genes-do/content-section-0?active-tab=description-tab
Study the module S317 Biological science: from genes to species open.ac.uk/courses/modules/s317
The Open University is the world’s leading provider of flexible, high-quality online degrees and distance learning, serving students across the globe with highly respected degree qualifications, and the triple-accredited MBA. The OU teaches through its own unique method of distance learning, called ‘supported open learning’ and you do not need any formal qualifications to study with us, just commitment and a desire to find out what you are capable of.
Free learning from The Open University
http://www.open.edu/openlearn/
For more like this subscribe to the Open University channel
youtube.com/channel/UCXsH4hSV_kEdAOsupMMm4Qw
Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/ouopenlearn
Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/OUFreeLearning
#theOpenUniversity #genetics
