What is genetic counseling?

• Genetic counseling involves meetings between a genetic counselor, a patient, and that patient's family. Most often, the counselor begins by gathering a detailed family history through interviews and reviews of family members' medical records. Then, physical examinations and medical tests (blood analyses, x-rays) may be performed. Following a diagnosis of a genetic disorder, the counselor will discuss treatment and management options with the patient. In addition, the counselor will help to estimate the risk of a family member developing the disease, and the risk of having a child with a similar inherited disease.

• Questions a genetic counselor should address:

   

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