What is Clinical Genetics?
This is a relatively new field and it’s expanding fast. Clinical Genetics involves diagnosing and genetic counselling for people and entire families with genetic conditions, or those who are at risk of a genetic disorder. The idea is to support patients in achieving a normal life when faced with chromosomal abnormalities, birth defects, gene disorders like cystic fibrosis, and familial cancers.
Many people with genetic syndromes identified in childhood or at pregnancy screenings need support from genetic services, and as more disorders are found to have a genetic component, for example, diabetes and coronary heart disease, the field is likely to widen.
What procedures can you find at a Clinical Genetics clinic?
- Taking patients’ clinical histories
- Making physical examinations
- Skin biopsy
- Genetic testing and analysis
- Genetic counselling
- Clinical photographs
- Accurate diagnosis
- Education and information
What should you expect at a Clinical Genetics clinic?
The most important part of your first clinical genetics appointment is the preparation, which involves gathering a lot of relevant information. Your clinician will take a full family medical history designed to pin down the inheritance pattern of any disease. And your clinical genetics professional will obtain all the right test results required to drive an accurate diagnosis and a practical, effective management plan.
