You may have already decided to have a genetic screening test, which is the reason why you booked an appointment at a screening clinic. However, the clinic has asked you to see a genetic counsellor before you go ahead. What do genetic counsellors do, and why should you see one before making a final decision?
What Do Genetic Counsellors Do?
Genetic counsellors help people who are considering having a genetic screen. Their first job is to assess whether screening is actually necessary.
So, for example, you might be worried that you have inherited a genetic condition. The counsellor can take a look at your family's medical history based on the condition in question and assess the risks that you might get the condition. This helps you decide if you want to go ahead with the screening process.
Counsellors also talk to you about the screening process in more detail. They will discuss what might happen if you do find that you have a problem or may develop one in the future. While your initial appointment may be a fact-finding mission, you may also see the counsellor after the test if find that you might have a problem.
Why See a Genetic Counsellor?
It's important to be as informed as you can before you have a genetic screening test. You may be sure right now that you want to be tested, but you may not have thought about what will happen after the test results come back.
These results could be life-changing. For example, if you find out that you could pass a serious genetic condition on to your children, you may be faced with the hard decision of whether to have children of your own or not. If you find out that you have a genetic predisposition to getting a certain disease, you may need to think about preventative treatments.
It's better to know what your options are before you have a screening test. If you aren't prepared for all eventualities, then you may not be able to think clearly after you get your results. You may have to make important decisions quickly. You may find this much easier if you know where you might stand before the process begins so you can think things through.
So, to get started, make an appointment with the genetic counsellor at your screening clinic. They can help you decide whether you want to go ahead with the test, and if so, help you prepare for what might happen afterwards.
