Genetic Counseling and Testing

Empowering Families with Knowledge and Choices through Genetic Counseling and Testing

The Importance of Genetic Counseling and Testing

Genetic counseling and testing play a critical role in understanding and managing inherited conditions, offering valuable insights into genetic disorders’ risks, diagnoses, and implications. These services enable families to make informed decisions about their health and future, which can lead to better management and improved outcomes for individuals with genetic conditions. Genetic counselors are trained healthcare professionals who provide personalized support and information, helping families navigate complex genetic information and make informed choices regarding their health.

Types and Benefits of Genetic Testing

Genetic testing analyzes DNA to identify changes or mutations that may cause genetic disorders. Various types of genetic tests include diagnostic testing to confirm specific genetic conditions, carrier screening for gene mutations for recessive disorders, prenatal testing to detect genetic abnormalities during pregnancy, newborn screening shortly after birth, and predictive testing to assess future risk of genetic disorders. The genetic testing process involves pre-test counseling, sample collection, laboratory analysis, results interpretation, and post-test counseling to ensure individuals understand the significance of their results and any recommended steps. These services offer numerous benefits, such as early detection, informed decision-making, personalized care, and preventive measures.

Who Should Consider Genetic Counseling

Genetic counseling and testing can be valuable for many families, offering guidance and clarity in complex situations. It’s especially beneficial for those with a family history of genetic disorders, couples planning to start a family, pregnant women, or individuals experiencing unexplained health symptoms. During the process, ethical and emotional considerations are carefully addressed, including privacy, confidentiality, informed consent, and the emotional impact of the results. Genetic counseling helps families understand their risks and options, allowing them to make informed and empowered decisions about their health and future. This support offers both clarity and hope for those managing or facing the possibility of genetic conditions.

Evaluation

Do You Have Concerns About Your Child’s Development?

Complete our online AI-based assessment and receive more information on possible causes and recommendations on how to assist your child.

Search our Resource Center

Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors

Articles about Genetic Counseling and Testing

  • Genetic Counseling & Testing
    advanced telegenetic counseling

    Advanced Telegenetic Counseling

    Telegenetic counseling, quite simply, is genetic counseling available online. It requires a connected video device, this can be a smartphone or computer, and that is all. It is genetic counseling, and all of the support and services it provides, delivered virtually.

    Read more
  • Genetic Counseling & Testing
    at-home genetic testing

    What is At-home Genetic Testing?

    At-home genetic testing can look at your DNA in order to let you know what your ancestry is, what your genetic tendencies may be, and whether genetic changes or mutations may be present. Changes in genes or chromosomes may be harmless, or they may indicate an increased risk, or even an existing issue, for certain health conditions or genetic disorders.

    Read more
  • Genetic Counseling & Testing
    genetic testing companies

    Genetic Testing Companies & You

    Genetic testing is a huge and increasingly popular trend. With its current higher visibility, much reduced price tag, and better science to back it up, more and more people are finding they have access to a very diverse array of genetic testing based information. New companies spring up every day, but not all genetic testing companies are created equal. There are several considerations you will want to take into account.

    Read more
  • Genetic Counseling & Testing
    genetic screening tests

    The Main Genetic Screening Tests

    The human genome, described below, is the sum total of all the component genes in the body. It is the code and a major part of the operating system for the human body. If something has gone wrong in the genome, or is likely to, it is best to know about it sooner rather than later. Genetic screening tests and genetic health testing can identify and single out changes in genes and their main components: strands of DNA, chromosomes, or proteins.

    Read more
  • Genetic Counseling & Testing
    rare disease genetic testing

    Rare Disease Genetic Testing

    Rare diseases are only rare when you count them one by one. Collectively, rare diseases affect up to 30 million people in the United States alone, and a recent scientific paper published in the European Journal of Human Genetics

    Read more
  • Genetic Counseling & Testing
    genetic testing online

    Options for Genetic Testing Online

    Very few types of genetic testing are actually done online. Many types of genetic tests can be ordered online for at-home testing, and quite a few online options are available to help analyze and review the results of your genetic testing, once you have them.

    Read more
  • Genetic Counseling & Testing
    diagnostic genetic testing

    Diagnostic Genetic Testing: What It Is and Why It Matters

    Diagnostic genetic testing can help identify an individual’s potential risk for developing a rare disease.  In some cases, diagnostic genetic testing can definitively determine a medical diagnosis for symptoms that have been as yet unexplained for the patient. In other cases, it can contribute information that can lead to a correct diagnosis, pending further examination.

    Read more
  • Genetic Counseling & Testing
    dna testing

    What is DNA Testing?

    DNA testing is a type of genetic testing. It is a medically based test to analyze DNA components. You can voluntarily decide to have your DNA tested if there is something you wish to know. There are currently upwards of 1000 types of genetic tests in use, with more being developed all the time. Some are quite popular for personal interests such as genealogical tracing and ancestry studies. Other DNA tests are used to determine medical and health results.

    Read more
  • Genetic Counseling & Testing
    direct to consumer genetic testing

    What You Need to Know About Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Testing

    What is genetic testing exactly? Genetic testing is a way to examine your DNA. DNA is the biological database that contains and communicates instructions for your body’s growth and function. During genetic testing, mutations in your genes may be revealed. These changes can cause disease, malformation, or a variety of disorders.

    Read more
Showing 46 to 54 of 103 results