Genetic Counseling By: Kyle Hollis 4

What is Genetic Counseling? Medical education of affected individuals and the general public concerning inherited disorder. Genetics counselors are health care professionals with specialized graduate degrees and experience in medical genetics and counseling.

What do Genetics Counselors Do? Work as members of a healthcare team Assess the risk of a genetic disorder by researching a persons family history and evaluating medical records Provide support and information to help a person make a decision about testing Interpret results of medical tests and data Explain possible treatments or preventative measures Discuss reproductive options

When to see a Genetics Counselor About 3% of babies are born with birth defects each year, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - and of the malformations that do occur, the most common are also among the most treatable. The best time to seek genetic counseling is before becoming pregnant, when a counselor can help assess your risk factors. But even after you become pregnant, a meeting with a genetic counselor can still be helpful.

Techniques Karyotype Aminocentesis Tests for abnormalities of chromosomes 1

Techniques Pedigree Analysis This is a common test used to determine the risk of a child having a genetics disorder that his ancestors were carriers for 2

How to find a genetics counselor? Your doctor may refer you to a genetic counselor. Universities and medical centers also often have affiliated genetic counselors, or can provide referrals to a counselor or genetics clinic. There are also counselors who are specialized for different diseases. ResourceLink [nsgc.org] Genetic Centers, Clinics and Departments [kumc.edu] GeneClinics [geneclinics.org]

Resources 1. http://www.givf.com/pren_test.cfm 2. www.cerezyme.com/.../ cz_hc_disease-genetics.asp 3.http://www.ornl.gov/sci/techresources/Human_Genome/medicine/genecounseling.shtml 4. http://geneticcounseling.genetics.utah.edu/