What Is Genetic Counseling?

Answer 1

The purpose of genetic counseling is to help people understand the chances of a condition appearing in themselves, other family members, or future children. Genetic counseling can also help people and families who are affected by a genetic condition learn about their chances of inheriting or passing along disease-causing genes, and what genetic tests, treatments, services and resource options are available.

THE GENETIC COUNSELING PROCESS

Genetic counseling can be helpful at any stage of life. Genetic counseling can take place in a one-time session or over a series of sessions with an individual or, possibly, with family members. The material covered in a genetics counseling session depends on the reason for counseling.

After a genetic counseling session, people usually receive a confidential letter for their own records which describes the discussion and any test results.

Most genetic counseling processes include the following steps:

Discussion of reasons for meeting with a genetic counselor
Taking a complete personal and family medical history
A physical exam, if necessary
An explanation of available genetic tests
Referral for tests
Review of tests and results (if performed)
An explanation of the options, possible results, and helpful resources
Referrals to other medical professionals and support services
WHEN GENETIC COUNSELING MAY BE USEFUL

Some people ask for genetic advice because they have a family history of a genetic disorder. Others seek genetic counseling because they want information.

You will probably find genetic counseling helpful if:

You want information about genetic tests, including their risks and benefits.
You have a child or another family member with a physical disability (such as clubfoot, cleft lip or palate, spina bifida, or a congenital heart disorder), mental retardation, or a known genetic condition.
You have a medical condition and are wondering if it could be passed on to your children.
You are a known carrier for a genetic condition such as Tay-Sachs disease, cystic fibrosis, sickle-cell anemia, thalassemia, or Huntington's disease.
You are a member of an ethnic group known to carry an inherited condition.
You are pregnant or considering pregnancy and have a history of genetic conditions.
You have had two or more miscarriages or stillbirths.
You are pregnant or considering pregnancy, and use alcohol or lillicit drugs.
You work with, or have been exposed to, toxic chemicals or radiation (including X rays).
You are pregnant and have been exposed to an infectious disease such as German measles (rubella), genital herpes, or HIV.
You have been unable to become pregnant after one year of unprotected intercourse or have had 3 or more miscarriages.

Answer 2

Genetic counseling is the process by which patients or relatives, at risk of an inherited disorder, are advised of the consequences and nature of the disorder, the probability of developing or transmitting it, and the options open to them in management and family planning in order to prevent, avoid or ameliorate it. This complex process can be seen from diagnostic (the actual estimation of risk) and supportive aspects. Since expert and private handling of genetic recurrence information is essential, practitioners must be certified by the American Board of Genetic Counseling. Those seeking a Genetic Counselor can search their local area using the National Society of Genetic Counselors website.

Answer 3

Ive heard of it when referring to having genetic tests ran to see if a person carries the cancer gene, or another type of deadly gene. My mom died from cancer and her doctors wanted her kids to be tested, and if we were positive have genetic councelling.

Answer 4

Define Genetic Counselling

Answer 5

iF YOU ARE PREGNANT AND ARE IN A CERTAIN AGE GROUP OR ARE IN A HIGH RISK GROUP,THEY WILL FIRST ASSESS YOU BY BLOOD TEST FOR CERTAIN BIRTH DEFECTS OR DISEASES,ETC.,THEN ADVISE YOU ON AMNIO.I HAD TO UNDERGO THE BLOOD TEST,
(LIKE HAVING YOUR BLOOD DRAWN ANY OTHER TIME),BECUASE I WAS OVER35(36ACTUALLY)AND PREGNANT,THEY WILL THEN PUT YOU IN A RISK CATEGORY,MY TEST CAME BACK THE SAME AS THE GROUPOF 17-24 YR OLDS,AND THE ULTRASOUND SHOWED NO DEFECTS,SO I HAD THE OPTION TO HAVE AMNIO AND DECLINED.PRETTY SIMPLE AS LONG AS THERE ARE NO PROBS.YOU HAVE TO WEIGH THE RISK OF THE AMNIO AND SPONTANEOUS ABORTION AND THE PLUSES OF KNOWING WHETHER OR NOT YOUR CHILD HAS LIFE THREATENING DISEASES AND OR HANDICAPS AND YOUR STAND ON WHETHER OR NOT IT MATTERS BECAUSE YOU WANT THIS CHILD ....NO MATTER WHAT!

Answer 6

i think its when you are born with a mutation because something is wrong with you genitically, if you are that way then you can go to a person called a genetic counselor where they help you , not just like emotional but like physically too like if you are in pain

Answer 7

yeah....