Genetic Counseling and Testing

Key points

  • Genetic counseling can help you and your family make informed decisions about genetic testing.
  • Genetic testing looks for changes in your DNA that can inform your medical care.
  • Talk to your healthcare provider about whether genetic testing is right for you.
Human DNA With Connection Dots And Plexus Lines

Overview

Genetic counseling gives you information about how genetic conditions might affect you or your family. A genetic counselor can help you decide whether a genetic test might be right for you. In some cases, genetic testing can give you information to help guide the decisions you make about the medical care you or your family member receives. Genetic counseling after testing is important to help you understand what the results of your test mean for you and next steps to take.

A genetic counselor talking to a patient with a double helix in the background
Genetic Counseling
Genetic counseling gives you information about how genetic conditions can affect you or your family.
two public health professionals are looking at a double helix
Genetic Testing
Genetic testing looks for changes in your DNA that can inform your medical care.
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Content Source:
National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities (NCBDDD)