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
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
Cited: http://www.enotes.com/genetic-counseling-reference/genetic-counseling-17201 Google search KidsHealth.org