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 Genetic
Services Section
What are genetic services?
Genetic services include evaluation, diagnosis, follow-up, and
treatment for inherited disorders and birth defects. They can
include a review of family and medical history, physical
examination, counseling, education, laboratory testing, and referral
for appropriate management. Services provide individuals and
families with information about inherited disorders, how genetic
conditions are passed on in families, and the risks that a condition
will affect other family members.
Genetic services are provided by a diverse range of health
professionals trained in genetics, including genetic counselors,
medical geneticists, nurses, physicians, and laboratory technicians.
To find out where you can receive these services go to our
Genetic Services page.
Who should seek genetic services?
Getting A Genetic
Consultation - How it can Benefit You or Your Family
Individuals or families who are concerned about a genetic condition
may benefit from genetic services. Genetic services are often
grouped by age: preconception/prenatal, pediatric, and adult.
Preconception and prenatal genetic services serve couples that are
planning a pregnancy or are pregnant. Common reasons for a
preconception/prenatal genetics visit may include:
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Mother will be 35 years
of age or older at delivery
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Pregnancies with
abnormal results from a screening test or ultrasound
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Couples with a family history of a genetic condition
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Couples who have had a child with a genetic condition or birth
defect
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Risks related to a mothers illness or infection
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Risks related to exposure to certain medicines or chemicals
Common reasons for seeking
pediatric or adult genetic services may include: presence of a
known or suspected genetic disorder, chromosomal abnormality, birth
defect, mental retardation, or developmental delay, or a family
history of any of these.
Contact a Regional
Genetics Clinic to determine whether a genetics referral is
appropriate.
Priorities
The Genetic Services Section, with input from the Washington State
Genetics Advisory Committee, has made the following areas a priority:
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Coordination and Coverage of Services
People with a genetic condition need coordination of medical,
social, and educational services. Medical genetic services are
not well understood and are often poorly reimbursed by insurance
companies and other third party payers.
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Access to Quality Services
There are few formal mechanisms in place
to assess the quality of clinical and laboratory genetic services.
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Privacy & Confidentiality of Genetic
Information
Genetic advances have resulted in increased concern
for the privacy and confidentiality of genetic information, as well
as the potential for genetic discrimination.
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Raising Awareness of Genetic Issues
Rapid advancements in the field of genetics have resulted in the
need for genetic education among a variety of people.
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