The Center for Medical Genetics (CMG) of the Antwerp University Hospital was "born" in 1964 at the former Bunge Institute in Berchem, offering a modest consultation service for genetic testing and advice for patients with neuromuscular disorders and/or mental disabilities. This consultation service was also accompanied by a chromosome research laboratory located in the scientific wing of the Bunge Institute.
In 1967, a new laboratory was established in the CMG for the diagnosis of inherited metabolic diseases. With the establishment of this biochemical laboratory, the genetic services, both in terms of diagnosis and genetic counseling, were extended to a larger group of patients.
Since other tissues such as skin cells were often necessary for the biochemical investigation of metabolic diseases in addition to white blood cells, a tissue culture laboratory was soon established. From 1971, this laboratory also examined amniotic fluid cells for prenatal diagnosis.
In 1978, the Born-Bunge Foundation moved to the campus of the University Institution Antwerp (UIA) in Wilrijk. Most laboratories were still organized and financially managed by the Born-Bunge Foundation. However, the genetic department was incorporated into the Antwerp University and was named the Center for Medical Genetics (CMG). In 1979, a consultation service for genetic disorders was established at the University Hospital Antwerp (UZA) in Edegem.
In 1985, the CMG introduced the chorionic villus sampling test, and in 1987, a molecular laboratory for DNA testing was launched.
In 2012, the CMG commissioned the first two Illumina Next Generation Sequencing devices. These revolutionized both genetic research and genetic diagnostics.
Today, the CMG has become a leading genetic center in the province of Antwerp and is one of the 8 recognized genetic centers in Belgium.