Make sense of your genetic information

## What is genetic counselling?

 

Genetic counselling is a service that provides information and support to people who have or are at risk of having a genetic condition. Genetic counsellors are health professionals who can help you understand how genetics affects your health and well-being. They can also help you make informed decisions about genetic testing and its implications for you and your family.

 

## What is genetic testing?

 

Genetic testing is a process that looks for changes in your DNA that may cause illness or disease. Genetic testing can provide a diagnosis for a genetic condition, information about your risk of developing certain diseases, or guidance for your medical care. There are many different types of genetic tests, depending on your needs and goals.

 

## How do I know if I need genetic testing?

 

You may benefit from genetic testing if:

 

- You have symptoms of a genetic condition or a family history of one.

- You are pregnant or planning to have children and want to know the chance of passing on a genetic condition to your child.

- You want to learn more about your risk of developing certain diseases, such as cancer, heart disease, or Alzheimer's disease.

- You want to learn more about your ancestry or personal traits.

 

## How do I get genetic testing?

 

The first step to get genetic testing is to talk to your doctor or a genetic counsellor. They can help you decide if genetic testing is right for you, what type of test you need, and what the benefits and limitations of the test are. They can also help you prepare for the test and understand the results.

 

## How much does genetic testing cost?

 

The cost of genetic testing depends on the type and complexity of the test, as well as your insurance coverage. Some tests may be covered by your health insurance, while others may not. You should check with your insurance company before getting any genetic test to find out what is covered and what is not. You can also talk to your doctor or genetic counsellor about the cost of the test and any financial assistance options available.

 

## What are the benefits and risks of genetic testing?

 

Genetic testing can have many benefits, such as:

 

- Providing a diagnosis for a genetic condition or confirming a suspected diagnosis.

- Providing information about your risk of developing certain diseases or passing on a genetic condition to your child.

- Providing guidance for your medical care or lifestyle choices based on your genetic information.

- Providing emotional relief or support by reducing uncertainty or providing answers.

 

Genetic testing can also have some risks or limitations, such as:

 

- Causing physical discomfort or complications from the sample collection process (such as blood draw or amniocentesis).

- Causing emotional distress or anxiety from learning about a positive result or an uncertain result.

- Causing social or legal issues from disclosing or misusing your genetic information (such as discrimination, stigmatization, or privacy breach).

- Providing inaccurate or incomplete information due to technical errors, human errors, or limitations of the test.

 

## How do I protect my privacy and confidentiality?

 

Your privacy and confidentiality are important to us. We follow strict ethical and legal guidelines to protect your personal and genetic information. We only share your information with your consent and with authorized health professionals who are involved in your care. We do not share your information with anyone else without your permission, unless required by law. We also use secure systems and encryption methods to store and transmit your information.

 

## How can I learn more about genetics and genetic testing?

 

If you want to learn more about genetics and genetic testing, you can:

 

- Visit our website for more resources and information.

- Contact us to book an appointment with a genetic counsellor or to ask any questions.

- Join our support groups or online forums to connect with other people who have similar experiences or interests.

- Explore other reputable websites or organizations that provide reliable and up-to-date information about genetics and genetic testing.