FAQs
The reasons that a person might be referred to a genetic counselor, medical geneticist, or other genetics professional include: A personal or family history of a genetic condition, birth defect, chromosomal disorder, or hereditary cancer. Two or more pregnancy losses (miscarriages), a stillbirth, or a baby who died.
Why might someone consult a genetic counselor? ›
Genetic counselors help identify families at possible risk of a genetic condition by gathering and analyzing family history and inheritance patterns and calculating chances of recurrence. They provide information about genetic testing and related procedures.
Why might someone consult a genetic counselor quizlet? ›
What is the role of genetic counseling? Genetic counselors help identify families at possible risk of a genetic condition by gathering and analyzing family history and inheritance patterns and calculating chances of recurrence.
Why do people get genetic testing? ›
People get genetic testing to see if they have genetic changes themselves or if they can pass on genetic changes to their children. Genetic counselors help people decide what tests to get and understand what the tests mean.
Why would someone see a geneticist? ›
Genetic specialists can help identify the appropriate tests to order, consider the family history, and provide information about the treatment and long-term outcomes for patients diagnosed with a genetic disorder. They may recommend a referral or referrals to other medical specialists.
When might someone want genetic counseling? ›
You may want genetic counseling if: You have or think you have a genetic condition, or you have a child with a genetic condition, like cystic fibrosis or sickle cell disease, or a birth defect, like a heart defect or cleft lip or palate. These conditions may run in your family or ethnic group.
What is a genetics consultation? ›
Genetic counselors can help you to understand genetic testing, interpret results, provided information on how genetic conditions might affect you and/or your family, serve as a resource, and provide emotional support and guidance.
Who would benefit from genetic counseling? ›
Reasons for genetic counseling
- Genetic conditions that run in your family or your partner's family.
- History of infertility, multiple miscarriages, or stillbirth.
- Previous pregnancy or child affected by a birth defect or genetic condition.
- Assisted reproductive technology (ART) options.
Figure out and explain your chances of having a child with specific genetic conditions. Help you explore and make decisions about your options for screening and testing before and during pregnancy. Help you interpret screening or testing results. Help you understand medical and genetic information.
Who should consider genetic counseling? ›
You may wish to see a genetic counselor if you have a personal or family history of cancer. We welcome all individuals and families who have a concern about a cancer diagnosis or a family history of cancer. Our team can help assess your family's risk and options for management and genetic testing.
Clinical practice guidelines recommend genetic testing for anyone diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer, ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer before age 50, metastatic prostate cancer, or male breast cancer.
What are the duties of a genetic counselor? ›
Genetic counselors assess clients' risk for a variety of inherited conditions, such as birth defects. They review genetic test results with individuals and families and support them in making decisions based on those results. They also offer information to other healthcare providers.
Is autism genetic? ›
Autism is hereditary and therefore does run in families. A majority (around 80%) of autism cases can be linked to inherited genetic mutations.
When to consult genetics? ›
The reasons that a person might be referred to a genetic counselor, medical geneticist, or other genetics professional include: A personal or family history of a genetic condition, birth defect, chromosomal disorder, or hereditary cancer. Two or more pregnancy losses (miscarriages), a stillbirth, or a baby who died.
Why do people go to genetic counseling? ›
The most common indications for genetic counseling include advanced maternal age, family history of a genetic condition, and suspected diagnosis of a genetic condition.
What questions will a genetic counselor ask me? ›
Common topics include:
- Talking about your family health history and ethnic heritage.
- Helping you understand the causes of genetic conditions.
- Helping you understand testing options, diagnosis, or, in some cases, the reason why no diagnosis has been made.
After the counselor has the medical information they need, they will:
- recommend genetic tests.
- look at the results of tests.
- explain how gene changes can cause genetic illnesses.
- talk about how likely it is that a genetic illness will be passed to a child.
- talk about options on what to do next.
- provide support and resources.
Genetic counselors assess clients' risk for a variety of inherited conditions, such as birth defects. They review genetic test results with individuals and families and support them in making decisions based on those results. They also offer information to other healthcare providers.
When is genetic counseling important? ›
If your family has a history of genetic disorders or if a particular genetic condition. Genetic counseling is recommended. This includes conditions like cystic fibrosis, Huntington's disease, or various inherited cancers. Understanding your family's genetic history.
