The national genomic test directory specifies which genomic tests are commissioned by the NHS in England and the patients who are eligible to access to each test. The directory is regularly updated and clinicians should check the current version of the directory before referring patients.
Access the current edition of the directory (opens in a new tab)
Updates to the directory are made once they are approved by the NHS and are summarised below. From the time of the update, it can take up to three months for significant changes and new tests to become fully available. This is due to the time it can take to develop, implement and verify new testing procedures.
May 2025
The latest changes and clarifications to the cancer test directory are summarised below. We aim to implement these changes as quickly as possible.
- NSCLC (M4.14) – New circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) blood test (Not available via East Genomics; see below for specific referral guidance).
- Breast cancer (M3.6 and M3.13) – Additional gene targets. M3.6 now includes AKT1 and PTEN. M3.13 now includes PIK3CA, AKT1 and PTEN. Eligibility criteria amended to guide treatment for adults with hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer after endocrine treatment.
- Bladder/urothelial cancer (M217) – Eligibility criteria have changed. Tests should be requested only where results can inform diagnosis or management.
NSCLC ctDNA test (M4.14) routing pathway
Following a limited pilot (opens in a new tab), multi-target ctDNA testing for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has been added to the directory. ctDNA testing allows detection of cancer DNA via blood test. Test kits must be requested to enable correct sample collection.
Please do not request this test from East Genomics, referrers in our region should request a test kit via the Marsden360 website or email Marsden360@rmh.nhs.uk.
Blood kits used for this test are specific to the method employed by the designated GLHs, therefore it is paramount that the correct blood kit is used for test routing.