|
HealthTales.com |
|
| Index of Diseases and Conditions: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z |
If you are expecting a baby or planning to have a baby, your doctor can run many tests to help assess the health of both you and your baby. Your doctor may also refer you for genetic counseling. Genetic counseling provides information and support to people who have, or may be at risk for, genetic disorders. A genetics professional meets with you to discuss genetic risks. You may follow up with genetic testing.
There are many reasons to seek genetic counseling. You may consider it if you
'''Genetic counseling''' generally refers to prenatal counseling done when a genetic condition is suspected in a pregnancy. Genetic counseling can occur before conception (i.e. when one or two of the parents are carriers of a certain trait), during pregnancy (i.e. if an abnormality is noted on an ultrasound or if the woman will be over 35 at delivery), after birth (if a birth defect is seen), during childhood (i.e. if the child has developmental delay), or even adulthood (for adult onset genetic conditions such as huntington's disease or hereditary cancer syndromes). In certain circles, premarital genetic testing is already a fact of life, i.e. in West-Africans from countries with a high occurrence of sickle-cell anemia, and in Jews of Eastern-European Ashkenazi background (e.g. Tay-Sachs disease, see also Dor Yeshorim). A '''genetic counselor''' is a health professional with specialized graduate degrees and experience in the areas of medical genetics and counseling. Most enter the field from a variety of disciplines, including biology, genetics, nursing, psychology, public health and social work. Genetic counselors work as members of a health care team, providing information and support to families who have members with birth defects or genetic disorders and to families who may be at risk for a variety of inherited conditions. They identify families at risk, investigate the problem present in the family, interpret information about the disorder, analyze inheritance patterns and risks of recurrence and review available options with the family. Genetic counselors also provide supportive counseling to families, serve as patient advocates and refer individuals and families to community or state support services. They serve as educators and resource people for other health care professionals and for the general public. Some counselors also work in administrative capacities. Many engage in research activities related to the field of medical genetics ... [ Read More ]
Genetic Health - Background on genetics, genetic aspects of specific conditions and diseases, counseling and testing, and clinical trials.
GeneClinics: Medical Genetics Knowledge Base - NIH funded, expert-authored descriptions of inherited disorders. Covers genetic testing in diagnosis and management and genetic counseling of patients.
GeneTests - A genetic testing resource including an introduction to genetic counseling and testing and a genetics laboratory directory. From the University of Washington.
New York University Department of Pediatrics Human Genetics Program - Offers evaluation, testing and counseling for genetic diseases with information on faculty, clinical services, molecular genetics laboratory, and research interests
American Board of Genetic Counseling - Prepares and administers examinations and accredits training programs. Offers a range of information on examinations, guidelines, and training programs.
National Society of Genetic Counselers - NSGC - Promote the profession as a recognized part of health care delivery, education, research and public policy. Includes a searchable database of counselors.
Genetics Northwest - Offers prenatal and cancer genetic counseling, and genetic testing including paternity testing and Native American ancestry testing. A genetics library is also available for interlibrary loan and document delivery.
South East of Scotland Genetic Service - Offer counselling services for patients, and provide a range of educational resources for health professionals and students. Includes information leaflets, degree modules, and research studies.
Foundation for Genetic Education and Counseling - FGEC - Promotes genetic education for the general public and for health-care professionals. Mission statement, funding and news .
BRAC Analysis Cancer Risk Assessment Center - offers genetic counseling and testing to those at increased risk for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. Located in Salt Lake City, Utah.