Genetic counseling: DNA testing for the patient

Karen Heller, MS, CGC

Genetic counseling deals with the "human problems associated with the occurrence, or the risk of occurrence, of a genetic disorder in the family." Genetic counseling is essentially a communication process-about medical facts, the contribution of heredity to certain conditions, the interpretation of test results, and the options available. It also involves supportive counseling to enable patients to make decisions and to make the best possible adjustment to the presence or risk of genetic disease. Genetic counselors have master's degrees from certified programs and are certified by either the American Board of Medical Genetics or the American Board of Genetic Counseling. This article reviews several case scenarios in order to highlight some themes and lessons from genetic counseling.