You have been referred for genetic counseling because you or a family member has a condition that could be genetic and impact other members of your family. Geneticists and genetic counselors will try to find out the cause of this problem. However, this is not always possible.
What should I do before the appointment?
Try to collect as much information as possible related to the health of your extended family. You must tell us of any birth defects, medical problems or learning disabilities. Photos of your family members (young and old) can sometimes be helpful, so please bring some if you can. It is also important that you report any miscarriages or deaths of children at a young age. It is also useful to know the reason for these events.
Where should you go for the appointment?
Our clinics are held at the Montreal Children’s Hospital and the Royal Victoria Hospital. When you make an appointment, the secretary will tell you where to go.
What is a geneticist?
A geneticist specializes in diagnosing and treating families with a variety of medical conditions that may include at least one birth defect, sensory impairments (such as hearing loss or blindness), learning disabilities, and developmental delay. development, metabolism errors, growth problems (small or tall) and family diseases such as cancer, high cholesterol levels and heart disease.
What is a genetic counselor?
Genetic counselors are healthcare professionals with a Master of Science degree and experience in the fields of medical genetics and counseling. Click to view the flyer .
Genetic counselors can help families understand a diagnosis by providing accurate, current and complete information. Additionally, genetic counselors can help people understand information about reproductive risks and risks to other family members. One of their roles receiving particular attention is to help people deal with the emotional consequences experienced by the family due to the genetic disorder by offering support and directing the patient to other networks support, if necessary.
Why is the genetics clinic important?
Finding the cause of a family member’s health condition is important.
It could explain why the problem occurred. Knowing can be reassuring.
When an answer is found, it is possible for the family to learn more about what the future holds. In some cases, there may be treatment.
Some disorders are hereditary and we inform families that this disorder could recur. In this case, there could be preventive measures.
Genetic counseling may also help you understand the situation and help your family adapt. You may receive information in writing and be directed to support organizations.
What to expect at the genetics clinic?
The first appointment could last 60 to 90 minutes. Geneticists and genetic counselors will ask you questions about the patient’s medical history, their mother’s pregnancy history, and the medical histories of other family members. Some questions might seem personal, but they will help us understand the patient better.
When the doctor has examined the patient, he will tell you about his condition. He or she may order tests and evaluations such as blood or urine tests or x-rays. In addition, photos may be taken of the patient and their family members which will be kept in the genetic file. You may be recommended to see other specialists and return for follow-up appointments.
For more general information on genetic counseling see: www.geneticcounselling.org .
What happens after the genetics appointment?
A letter summarizing the assessment, discussion and follow-up plan will be written and sent to the patient’s referring physician. Additionally, a letter can be sent to the family.
Your appointment in medical genetics
Your doctor has referred you to medical genetics. In order to accompany your appointment with us, we would like to give you information through this short genetic pre-test video on gene panels.
After listening to the video above, and after receiving your saliva collection kit, please listen to this other video to learn the precautions to take for collecting saliva: Instructions for use
Very important: remember to write your name and date of birth on the saliva tube before returning it, otherwise it will be rejected. THANKS.