Medical genetics is reshaping modern healthcare; DNA analysis now makes it possible to identify the causes of many diseases, assess inherited risks, and personalise prevention and treatment strategies in ways that were unimaginable only a decade ago.
At Kensington International Clinic, our clinical genetics service is led by Dr Ehsan Ghayoor Karimiani, a consultant geneticist whose expertise spans the full diagnostic spectrum. Located at the heart of Chelsea, our private clinic welcomes you in a warm, refined, and high-standard setting.
For genetic testing, Dr Ehsan Ghayoor Karimiani is our clinical geneticist in London
Dr Ehsan Ghayoor Karimiani is a leading medical geneticist, working at the intersection of clinical practice and high-level academic research. He holds a Doctor of Medicine (MD), a Master of Research (MRes) and a PhD in medical genetics, all obtained at the prestigious University of Manchester. He also practised for over 8 years within the NHS before joining our private clinic in Chelsea, London.
He is an honorary lecturer in medical genetics at University College London (UCL), one of the UK’s leading institutions for genomic research, where he actively contributes to the training of the next generation of clinicians and to several translational research projects.
Also, he is particularly recognised for his expertise in familial cancer genetics (Lynch syndrome, familial adenomatous polyposis, hereditary breast and ovarian cancer) and for his work with patients from Middle Eastern populations.
He consults in English and Farsi !
Our areas of expertise in clinical genetics
Our private clinic, located at the heart of London, is known for providing comprehensive care across the main fields of contemporary medical genetics:
- Hereditary cancer genetics: between 5% and 10% of cancers have an identifiable hereditary component. A genetic test can reveal pathogenic variants associated with an increased risk of breast, ovarian, colorectal, prostate or endometrial cancer ;
Early identification makes it possible to roll out personalised surveillance programmes, preventive strategies and where appropriate, targeted treatments. It also opens the way to cascade testing for first-degree relatives.
- Preconception counselling and family planning: carrier screening allows prospective parents to identify whether they carry variants associated with recessive conditions that could be passed on to their children ;
- Fertility and reproductive genomics: genetic causes account for a significant proportion of unexplained infertility and recurrent miscarriage. A targeted genomic assessment can guide care in conjunction with the fertility specialist ;
- Neurogenetics: genetic diagnosis provides valuable insight in early-onset Parkinson’s disease, familial Parkinson’s disease and early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. It helps shape medical management and informs family genetic counselling ;
- Genetic hearing loss: a significant proportion of neonatal and early-onset hearing loss has a genetic basis. Molecular diagnosis guides therapeutic decisions, including the possible indication of cochlear implantation, and provides critical information for family members ;
- Developmental delay and autism spectrum disorders: genomic investigations are important in the aetiological workup of developmental delay, intellectual disability, ASD and congenital anomalies, helping families move from uncertainty to a structured medical understanding.
How does a genetic counselling consultation work?
The initial consultation lasts between 30 and 60 minutes. Dr Ghayoor Karimiani begins by taking a detailed family history and identifying the clinical signals that shape the diagnostic approach. Then, based on this assessment, he recommends the most appropriate test panel, explains the implications of a positive, negative, or uncertain result and answers any questions relating to transmission, testing of relatives and the psychological, medical or insurance-related consequences of a genetic diagnosis.
The sample is collected at the clinic. Results, which typically take several weeks depending on the panel, are then delivered during a dedicated post-test consultation, where Dr Ghayoor Karimiani presents the clinical interpretation and helps you build an appropriate follow-up strategy.
Who is genetic testing for?
A genetic testing consultation is relevant to a wide range of patients across diverse situations:
Family history of cancer
Several cases among close relatives, early-onset diagnoses (before age 50), bilateral or multiple cancers in one individual
Plans for pregnancy
Couples wishing to assess the risk of transmitting a recessive condition, situations of consanguinity, family history of a genetic disease
Recurrent miscarriage or unexplained infertility
Investigating an underlying genomic cause
A child with developmental delay, ASD, or intellectual disability
Aetiological diagnostic workup
Family history of early-onset neurological disease
Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, confirmed familial forms
Unexplained congenital or early-onset hearing loss
Seeking a molecular diagnosis
Personalised medicine
Before starting certain long-term treatments, to optimise drug choice and dosage through pharmacogenetics
In every case, the process takes place within a strictly medical framework, with structured genetic counselling both before and after the test.
Catalogue of genetic tests available at Kensington International Clinic
Kensington International Clinic works with partner laboratories certified to international standards and uses today’s reference technologies: next-generation sequencing (NGS), comparative genomic hybridisation (CGH array), targeted analyses, and whole exome sequencing.
Test | Main indication | Fee |
Predisposition Cancer Scoring (12 cancers) | Genetic risk assessment for 12 common cancers | £350 |
Comprehensive Exome-based Hereditary Cancer Screening | Exhaustive analysis of genes associated with hereditary cancer syndromes | £690 |
Predisposition Risk Scoring (15+ conditions) | Genetic risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and certain cancers | £310 |
Diagnostic Exome | Diagnosis of rare genetic diseases and unresolved clinical indications | £690 |
Autism CGH Array | Detection of chromosomal abnormalities associated with ASD | £970 |
Autism Exome-based | Extended analysis of genes associated with ASD | £1,110 |
Comprehensive Carrier Screening (400+ conditions) | Preconception screening for couples | £690 |
Pharmacogenetics Test | Analysis of individual response to medication | £490 |
How to book an appointment in our private clinic in London?
To book a clinical genetic testing appointment, contact us:
- By phone :on 020 7589 9321;
- By email : at contact@lamaisonmedicale.co.uk;
- Online : directly through our booking system.
Kensington International Clinic, for a private fertility health check in London, led by a french, english and arabic spoken specialist !
FAQ
Do I need a medical referral for a genetic test? No.
You can book directly with our geneticist, without needing to go through your GP. Some private insurers may, however, require a prescription letter for reimbursement: we recommend checking this with your insurer beforehand.
What is the difference between a clinical genetic test and a consumer DNA test?
DNA tests sold directly to consumers analyse a limited number of markers for genealogical or recreational purposes, without diagnostic value recognised by medical authorities. A clinical genetic test, such as those offered at our private clinic, is prescribed by a geneticist. It relies on validated technologies (NGS, CGH array, whole exome sequencing) and is paired with qualified medical genetic counselling both before and after the test.
If my test comes back positive, should my relatives also be tested?
Identifying a pathogenic variant in one individual can carry significant medical implications for first-degree relatives (parents, siblings, children). Dr Ghayoor Karimiani will help you design a cascade testing pathway tailored to your family situation, with respect for each person’s informed consent.
