Genetics and

Genetic
Counseling

PREPARED BY GEMMA F. PACYA

What is Genetics?
Branch of science that studies genes
and pattern of inheritance of a
particular disease from parents to
offspring's.
From the Greek word “gene” which
means to become or to grow into.
What is counseling?
Counseling is
consultation, mutual
interchange of opinions,
deliberating together.
Genetic counseling
Genetic counseling
The process of checking family
medical history and medical
record, ordering genetic tests,
evaluating the results of these
test and record, helping
parents understand and reach
decisions about what to do next.
Indications of genetic
counseling
1. Hereditary disease in a patient or family
2. Birth defects
3. Mental retardation
4. Advanced maternal age
5. Early onset of cancer in the family
6. Miscarriages
7. Malformations
8. Tendency to develop an neurologic conditions
Functions of genetic
counseling session
Provide information
Available solution
Hel person to understand and
cope with his condition
Testing the risk of
recurrence
Genetic counseling
ethics
 Respect the right of the individual
 Non directive approach
 Keep privacy of individual and
family
 Maintain the communication of the
counselor and his client
Roles or genetic nurses
 Taking family history
 Attend patients concerns
 Explaining genetic test
 Obtaining informed consent
 Collecting blood samples for genetic
testing
 Psychological support and follow up.