A genetic consultation provides information, offers support, and addresses a patient’s specific questions and concerns. To help determine whether a condition has a genetic component, a geneticist asks about a person’s medical history and takes a detailed family health history (a record of health information about a person’s immediate and extended family). The geneticist may also perform a physical examination and recommend appropriate medical tests.

If a person is diagnosed with a genetic condition, the genetics professional provides information about the diagnosis, how the condition is inherited, the chance of passing the condition to future generations, and the options for testing and treatment.

During a consultation, a genetics professional will:

• Interpret and communicate complex medical information.

• Help each person make informed, independent decisions about their health care and reproductive options.

• Respect each person’s individual beliefs, traditions and feelings.

A genetics professional will NOT:

• Tell a person what decision to make.

• Force a couple on whether or not to have children.

• Recommend that a woman continue or terminate a pregnancy.

• Tell someone if they need to be tested for a genetic disorder.