Question 1

what is genetic counseling?

Accepted Answer

Feedback on DNA test: After a dna analysis the results may be discussed with an individual to help them understand and deal with the information discovered. There may be decisions to make and the counseling may help guide one toward making them. The doctors doing the testing would be the best source for understanding this issue.

Question 2

what's the purpose of genetic counseling?

Accepted Answer

Information sharing.: Genetic counseling helps the uninitiated to understand aspects of the exploding field of human genetics, as they pertain to personal and/or family history of inherited disorders, or to potential risks for vertical transmission of pathogenic traits across generations. It helps choose (or not) appropriate testing to confirm or refute a particular genetic condition and to thus prevent complications.

Question 3

how to earn a degree in genetic counseling?

Accepted Answer

Search out schools: You need a background in subjects like counseling, anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry.  Check out job descriptions to see what hospitals and clinics are looking for in a person doing genetic counseling.  Peace and good health.

Question 4

what is the purpose behind genetic counseling?

Accepted Answer

Several reasons: There are many reasons.  One is to understand the chance of a child inheriting the disease.  Is it 50% like in huntington's disease?  Is it 25% as in a recessive gene? If the gene is sex-linked, the percentages become much more complex depending on the baby's sex.  Another reason is to understand the ramications of a positive test. What does this mean to the person? Is that person now uninsurable?

Question 5

what are the pros and cons of genetic counseling?

Accepted Answer

Mostly pros.: Pros: information about reproductive options, genetic risks and testing availability and cost.
Cons: confusion of couples not interested in prenatal diagnosis or reproductive options.

Question 6

what are some of the benefits of genetic counseling?

Accepted Answer

Information!: Genetic counseling is supposed to give information about testing and treatment/management options for the very complex and life-long genetic disorders many families are faced with.

Question 7

i want my entire genome done. do i need to get genetic counseling?

Accepted Answer

Why and Yes: Yes, you should seek genetic counseling if you are contemplating on getting your genome sequenced.  Please note sequencing does not usually provide usable information unless targeted to a specific question.

Question 8

is it reasonable to use genetic counseling to help a person with progeria?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely!: Even though progeria isn't known to be directly inherited from parents, it still rarely occurs in more than one child and is a genetic disease. Genetic counselors/geneticists will probably give you the best education you will get about this disorder. Our understanding of genetics is always improving. As scientists learn more, having a connection with genetics may be even more valuable you.

Question 9

is genetic counseling an option for down syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Knowledge is power: Having up to date information about any long term condition will help any parent make plans for the kid involved. A genetic counselor can provide access to specifics about the kid, the specific form of ds (there are at least 3) & also provide answers that the extended family may have. Some of this data can be supplemented by the different support groups that have formed, but i recommend gc for all.

Question 10

what's the role for genetic counseling when genome testing?

Accepted Answer

Website: Go to www.Genome.Gov and on the right side scroll down to "genetic disorders faq" and click on it for a pretty complete reference site. In the list on the left pick "faq about genetic counseling". You may get there directly by going to: www, genome.Gov/19016905.

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Advantages and disadvantages of genetic counseling

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What is genetic counseling?

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What's the purpose of genetic counseling?

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How to earn a degree in genetic counseling?

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What is the purpose behind genetic counseling?

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What are the pros and cons of genetic counseling?

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What are some of the benefits of genetic counseling?

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I want my entire genome done. do i need to get genetic counseling?

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Is it reasonable to use genetic counseling to help a person with progeria?

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Is genetic counseling an option for down syndrome?

A member asked:

What's the role for genetic counseling when genome testing?

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