FAQ

What are genetic counselors?  Genetic counselors are professionals who have specialized education in genetics and counseling to provide personalized help patients may need as they make decisions about their genetic health. Today, there are more than 5,000 certified genetic in the U.S. Genetic counselors have advanced training in medical genetics and counseling to interpret genetic test results and to guide and support patients seeking more information about:

  • How inherited diseases and conditions might affect them or their families.
  • How family and medical histories may impact the chance of disease occurrence or recurrence.
  • Which genetic tests may or may not be right for them, and what those tests may or may not tell.
  • How to make the most informed choices about healthcare conditions.                                                                                                                                                                                                            https://www.nsgc.org/

In the assisted reproduction setting, genetic counselors play a number of different roles.  Genetic counselors may be employed directly by fertility clinics, helping patients to understand their family medical histories and their genetic testing options.  They also may work for reproductive genetic testing laboratories or facilities that recruit and screen egg and sperm donors.