Genetic Counseling

1
Genetic Counseling

• Colin Neumann
• Bellarmine University
• Molecular Biology
• Spring Semester 2006

2
What is it?

• A communication process which deals with human
  problems associated with the occurrence or the
  risk of occurrence of a genetic disorder in a
  family.
• - American Society of Human Genetics

3
Why genetic counseling now?

• Increased medical knowledge
• Increased public knowledge

4
Goals

• Comprehend the medical facts
• Understand hereditary patterns
• Understand alternatives
• Choose appropriate course of action
• Create best possible situation for all involved

5
Steps to Genetic Counseling

• Construction of complete pedigree
• Creation of comprehensive medical history
• Assigning appropriate diagnostic tests

6
Questions?