Individuals or families who are concerned about an inherited condition may benefit from a genetic consultation. The reasons that a person might be referred to a genetic counselor, medical geneticist, or other genetics professional include:
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A personal or family history of a genetic condition, birth defect, chromosomal disorder, or hereditary cancer.
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Two or more pregnancy losses (miscarriages), a stillbirth, or a baby who died.
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A child with a known inherited disorder, a birth defect, mental retardation, or developmental delay.
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A woman who is pregnant or plans to become pregnant at or after age 35. (Some chromosomal disorders occur more frequently in children born to older women.)
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Abnormal test results that suggest a genetic or chromosomal condition.
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An increased risk of developing or passing on a particular genetic disorder on the basis of a person’s ethnic background.
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People related by blood (for example, cousins) who plan to have children together. (A child whose parents are related may be at an increased risk of inheriting certain genetic disorders.)
A genetic consultation is also an important part of the decision-making process for genetic testing. A visit with a genetics professional may be helpful even if testing is not available for a specific condition, however.
For more information about the reasons for having a genetic consultation:
GeneTests from the University of Washington provides a detailed list of common reasons for a genetic consultation
.
An overview of indications for a genetics referral
is available from The Genetic Alliance booklet Understanding Genetics: A Guide for Patients and Professionals.
Next: What happens during a genetic consultation?
