Genetic counseling

What is Genetic Counseling and why is it important?

Genetic counseling is an informative discussion that involves educating patients and their families about the occurrence or recurrence of a genetic disorder in the family. Genetic counselors are experts in medical genetics and counseling. They have in-depth knowledge on various appropriate tests available and are experienced in providing unbiased, ethical, and accurate information in a simple and precise manner. They act like an extended arm for clinicians and doctors.

The genetic counselor explains the following to consumers:

Genetic basis of their clinical disorder, the inheritance pattern, and the recurrence risk
Availability of various tests

Appropriate course of action in view of their risk, family goals, ethical, and religious standards
Social and psychological support

When should you recommend Genetic Counseling to your patients?

Here are the situations when medical experts/doctors/clinicians may recommend their patients/families to visit a genetic counselor:

Family history of a genetic condition or birth defect
A couple in a consanguineous marriage
Women who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy at the age of 35 years or above
General concern of to-be parents about the genetic health of their baby
Bad obstetric history or multiple miscarriages
Death of a child due to a genetic condition
Antenatal ultrasound or pregnancy screening tests indicating a possible risk
Family history of cancer, or a young age of onset of cancer

MedGenome Genetic Counseling

An information, education, and service hub for both patients and doctors.

Objective

Focus Areas

Carrier Screening Test (premarital or pre conceptional)
IVF – Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT-A; PGT-SR; PGT-M)
Non-invasive Prenatal Screening Test (NIPT)
Prenatal Genetic Counseling

Neurology
Cardiology
Ophthalmology
Nephrology
Others

Risk Assessment
Extended Family Member Testing
Companion Diagnostics
Theranostics

Multidrug resistant TB (MDR TB)

KardioGen – Genetic Risk for Heart Condition
CureGen – Drug Effectiveness

What does the process of Genetic Counseling involve?

The expert Genetic Counseling team of MedGenome provides extensive pre-test and post-test counseling as explained below:

Pre-test
Counseling session

Evaluates the family history and all relevant medical records
Helps the family understand the genetic condition
Explores the options available for Genetic Testing, its reliability, and limitations
Discusses the risks and benefits of Genetic Testing
Considers the inheritance pattern and risk of recurrence
Declares the possible uncertainties due to present lack of knowledge
Discusses reproductive options

Post-test
Counseling session

Interprets the test results
Discusses the need for further testing
Explains inheritance pattern and risk of recurrence depending on the results and final diagnosis
Discusses the available management and prevention options
Addresses emotional and social concerns
Discusses the implications of the report to the individual and the family
Refers to other resources or support groups for help