What Is a Genetic Consultation?
During a genetic consultation, a genetics professional meets with an individual or family to diagnose, confirm, or rule out a genetic condition, and the risks of inheriting it. Genetics professionals are:- Geneticists – doctors with special training in genetics
- Genetic counselors – professionals who have completed a master’s program in genetics and counseling skills and have passed a certification exam
- Genetics nurses – registered nurses with advanced education and training in genetics
The consultation may take place in a doctor’s office, hospital, or genetics center. The counselor will explain the medical science involved in your situation, provide support, and address any emotional issues you may have. A geneticist will make the actual diagnosis of your condition. Many genetic conditions are so rare that only a geneticist can provide the most complete and accurate information about them.
Why Might Someone Have a Genetic Consultation?
Reasons why an individual or family might be referred for a genetic consultation include:- a personal or family history of a genetic condition, birth defect, chromosome disorder, or inherited cancer
- a couple planning a pregnancy when either parent-to-be has a close relative with an inherited disease or birth defect
- a couple planning a pregnancy when either parent-to-be already has a child with an inherited disease or birth defect
- a mother who has had two or more pregnancy losses, a stillbirth, or a baby who died
- a child is born with an inherited disorder, birth defect, mental retardation, or developmental delay
- any woman who is considering having an amniocentesis or CVS during pregnancy to rule out a chromosome disorder (such as trisomy 21, Down’s syndrome)
- an increased risk of passing on a genetic disorder based on a person’s ethnic background
- people related by blood who plan to have children together
- abnormal test results that suggest a genetic condition
How Can I Find a Genetic Counselor?
Your doctor can refer you to a genetic counselor. Doctors often have lists of genetic counselors with whom they work. You can also contact your health insurance company to find a geneticist or genetic counselor in your area that participates in your plan.Several resources for finding a genetics professional in your area are available online:
- The National Society of Genetic Counselors has a searchable directory of genetic counselors in the United States. You can search by location, name, area of practice/specialization, and/or ZIP code.
- GeneTests from the University of Washington provides a U.S. Genetic Clinic Directory Search by state and services. GeneTests also offers an International Genetic Clinic Directory Search by country.
- The National Cancer Institute offers a Cancer Genetics Services Directory. This directory lists professionals who provide services related to cancer genetics (cancer risk assessment, genetic counseling, genetic susceptibility testing, and others).
- The University of Kansas Medical Center maintains a list of Genetics Centers, Clinics, and Departments. These are grouped by areas of the United States.
Sources:
"Frequently Asked Questions About Genetic Counseling." Genome.gov. 28 Mar 2008. National Human Genome Research Institute. 9 Sep 2008
"Genetic Counseling." KidsHealth. Apr 2007. Nemours Foundation. 9 Sep 2008
"Genetic Consultation." Genetics Home Reference. 5 Sep 2008. U.S. National Library of Medicine. 9 Sep 2008
