Genetic Counseling
Genetic counseling is one of the more important, yet often ignored, aspects of genetic testing. There are an increasing number of gene tests available and it is rarely easy to understand the results of such tests, not to mention what to do with the information after the genetic test results have come in.
Generally speaking a genetic counselor is someone with an advanced degree in science specializing in medical genetics but may include expertise in biology, psychology, medicine, social work or some other related field. This individual will be able to decipher the results of a genetic test and offer informed guidance. A counselor can help provide information and offer support to individuals and families who have a known genetic disorder or who may have detected a genetic risk for a specific condition that might have been inherited.
One of the more common aspects of genetic counseling involves the dna test performed via amniocentesis. In this case, genetic material is obtained from the amniotic fluid surrounding a fetus. Tests may be performed to detect possible birth defects or genetic abnormalities that may indicate a condition such as Down syndrome.
Genetic testing, and subsequent counseling with a genetic counselor, may also occur before pregnancy in order to identify a possible genetic trait that could be passed on to an offspring.
