Genetic Counseling

What is a Genetic Counselor?

A genetic counselor (GC) is a health care professional with a master’s degree in human genetics and counseling. This training enables GCs to discuss technical genetic information in practical, useful terms.

Genzyme Genetics genetic counselors are all board certified by or active candidates for certification from the American Board of Genetic Counseling. They are supervised by medical geneticists, who are available for consultation as needed.

What Happens During a Genetic Counseling Session?

• You complete a standard prenatal genetic questionnaire.
• The GC evaluates your completed prenatal genetic questionnaire and your relevant medical history.
• The GC constructs a three-generation family tree.
• If applicable, the GC reviews medical records you provide.
• The GC evaluates all of the information you provide in order to estimate your risk for having a child affected with a birth defect or a genetic condition.
• Both family-specific and standard general population risks fro the fetus are considered/evaluated.
• The GC explains the identified risks and discusses the testing options available, including their risks, benefits and limitations.
• Written educational materials and/or information about community resources are available upon request.
• You are provided with the opportunity to ask questions about any genetic concerns you may have.
• Based on your knowledge and judgment, you decide whether to have any genetic testing.
• The decision to consent to or to refuse any genetic procedure or testing is entirely yours.

Who Should Consider Genetic Counseling?

• Anyone who has questions about a disease or condition that runs in the family
• Anyone with a family history of an inherited disorder, birth defect or mental retardation
• Anyone with abnormal results from a genetic screening or diagnostic test
• Anyone concerned that his or her job, lifestyle or medical history may pose a risk to pregnancy (including exposure to infection, medicines, alcohol, street drugs, chemicals or other environmental agents)
• Women who will be 35 years old or older when their baby is born
• Women who have had two or more unexplained miscarriages or early infant deaths
• Couples who are first cousins or other close blood relatives
• Couples with infertility issues that may have been caused by a genetic abnormality
• Men with congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens (CBAVD)

How Does the Genzyme Genetics Genetic Counselor Work With My Doctor(s)?

• Either your primary doctor or a specialist refers you to the GC for genetic counseling.
• The counseling services will be billed separately from any doctor visit. You will be responsible for any charges that your insurance does not cover.
• After the genetic counseling session, the GC sends a summary report to your doctor(s).
• If you would like more information regarding our genetic counseling program, please call (888) 816-3862.