FAQs

    What is genetic counselling?

    Where are clinics held?

    What do I need to do to prepare for a genetics appointment?

    Where will the information about my family go?

    How will Medical Genetics help me?

    What can I expect in my first visit to Medical Genetics?

    Do I have to be tested? Will the Genetic Counsellor tell me what to do?

    Do Genetic Counsellors do gene therapy or cloning?

What is genetic counselling?
Genetic Counsellors and Medical Geneticists

provide information and support when a family member has been diagnosed with a condition that may have a genetic component
explain the diagnosis to you
let you know if other family members are at risk
arrange tests if required
offer insight into dealing with the difficulties some families may have following diagnosis of a genetic condition
review available screening and treatment options with you
refer you to other medical specialists that can help care for you and your family

For more information about genetic counsellors, please visit the Canadian Association of Genetic Counsellors

Where are clinics held?
Clinics are held regularly in Vancouver and Victoria. Regional Medical Genetics Clinics are held periodically at various sites including Kelowna, Kamloops, and Prince George.
If you are from out of province, please visit the Canadian Association of Genetic Counsellors website to find the genetics center closest to you or ask your doctor for a referral.

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What do I need to do to prepare for a genetics appointment?
Before you go to your first appointment, gather as much information as possible about your medical history, pregnancy history, family history, and genetic concerns. A genetic counsellor may contact you to get the information before your appointment. Alternatively, you may provide this information directly at your appointment.

How do I obtain my family history?
Many personal traits are inherited. These traits include risks for certain genetic conditions and health problems. It is important for you to learn as much about your medical family history as possible. By looking at your family history, we can help predict health problems you may be at increased risk for in the future, and we may also help you to reduce some of these risks.

Some family members may be more reluctant than others to share their personal medical history. Be respectful of this. Everyone deals with their health in different ways.

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Where will the information about my family go?
The information you provide will be stored in a separate health chart in the BC Provincial Medical Genetics Program. This family history will not be shared without your permission.

What about my privacy?
We will not share any of your information or test results without your permission. In some instances, we require patients to sign a “Release of Information” form prior to releasing medical records.

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How will Medical Genetics help me?
A genetic evaluation can indicate the best way to proceed with testing to confirm a specific diagnosis. Making a diagnosis allows for a more accurate estimation of the chance the condition will happen again in the family.

Genetic services can help you share this information with your family members. Genetic Counsellors can provide resources that help your family deal with both the medical and psychological implications of family diseases.

What can I expect in my first visit to Medical Genetics?
Appointments normally last between one and two hours. You will begin by meeting with a Genetic Counsellor or Geneticist (MD) who will review you or your child’s medical and family history. If it is needed, a Geneticist will do a physical exam. Following that, either the MD or the Genetic Counsellor may provide counselling. They will review the findings and the recommended testing, possible diagnosis and implications, as well as plans for follow-up.

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Will you give me or my family member a specific diagnosis?
All of your doctors will make every attempt to provide you with a diagnosis or to use tests to confirm a previously established diagnosis. However, please remember that occasionally we are not able to provide a specific diagnosis or to offer testing for a specific disease. Genetics is a rapidly advancing field and there is still much to discover.

Do I have to be tested? Will the Genetic Counsellor tell me what to do?
The decision whether to have genetic testing is personal. No one will tell you what you should do. Genetic Counsellors are available to explore the pros and cons of each test so that you can decide whether or not testing is right for you and your family.

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What information will I receive at the appointment?
We attempt to provide written resources about specific diseases to all of our patients. Many genetic conditions are very rare, so unfortunately this is not always possible. Please feel free to ask for a copy of the visit letter or for a family letter for you to share with other family members.

Do Genetic Counsellors do gene therapy or cloning?
Genetic Counsellors do not conduct research for gene therapy or cloning. However, if there is an available gene therapy for your condition, your Genetic Counsellor will discuss current research with you and direct you to where you might be able to enroll in research studies to evaluate the value of gene therapies. Genetic Counsellors are not involved in the process of cloning.

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This information has been adapted and used with permission from Tricia Petch et al. (2004) “Increasing awareness of genetic services in Saskatchewan”.

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PHSA improves the health of British Columbians by seeking province-wide solutions to specialized health care needs in collaboration with BC health authorities and other partners. For more information, visit http://www.phsa.ca

PHSA agencies include: BC Cancer Agency, BC Centre for Disease Control, BC Children’s Hospital and Sunny Hill Health Centre for Children, BC Mental Health & Addiction Services, BC Provincial Renal Agency, BC Transplant, BC Women’s Hospital & Health Centre, and Cardiac Services BC.