Genetic Counselor

Genetic Counselors are professional who have completed a master’s program in medical genetics and counseling skills. They then pass a certification exam administered by the American Board of Genetics Counseling. Genetic counselors can help and inheritance patterns, suggest testing, and lay out possible scenarios. They will explain the meaning of the medical science involved, provide support, confirming a diagnosis in a person who has disease symptoms, and address any emotional issues raised by the results of the genetic testing.

Genetic Counseling is the process of evaluating family history and medical records, ordering genetic tests, evaluating the results of this investigation, and helping parents understand and reach decisions about what to do next. Genetic test are done by analyzing small samples of blood or body tissues. The samples determine whether you, your partner, or your babies carry genes from certain inherited disorders. It is very necessary for Genetic counselors to have knowledge of blood because it is important to know whether a disease can be prevented or treated if a gene alteration is found.

In some cases, there is no treatment. But test results might help a person make life decisions, such as career choice, family planning or insurance coverage. A genetic counselor can provide information about the pros and cons of testing Once a person decides to proceed with genetic testing, a medical geneticist, primary care doctor, specialist, or nurse practitioner can order the test. Genetic testing is often done as part of a genetic consultation. Genetic tests are performed on a sample of blood, hair, skin, amniotic fluid (the fluid that surrounds a fetus during pregnancy), or other tissue.

For example, a procedure called a buccal smear uses a small brush or cotton swab to collect a sample of cells from the inside surface of the cheek. The sample is sent to a laboratory where technicians look for specific changes in chromosomes, DNA, or proteins, depending on the suspected disorder. The laboratory reports the test results in writing to a person’s doctor or genetic counselor. Newborn screening tests are done on a small blood sample, which is taken by pricking the baby’s heel. Unlike other types of genetic testing, a parent will usually only receive the result if it is positive.

If the test result is positive, additional testing is needed to determine whether the baby has a genetic disorder. Before a person has a genetic test, it is important that he or she understands the testing procedure, the benefits and limitations of the test, and the possible consequences of the test results. The process of educating a person about the test and obtaining permission is called informed consent. Work Cited http://www. enotes. com/genetic-counseling-reference/genetic-counseling-17201 Google search KidsHealth. org