A number of different
genetic risk assessment services are made available through the genetics
program. These services take advantage of the training and skills of
both certified genetic counselors and an obstetric-trained geneticist.
Importantly, services provided by this genetic risk assessment group
remain second to none for breadth and depth of services serving a wide
referral base.
In any pregnancy,
there is a small chance for having a child with a birth defect or possibly
a genetic disease. Our genetic counselors can assist physicians in determining
whether patients are at an increased risk for having a baby with a particular
disorder.
Women who may benefit
from genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis include those who:
Will be 35 or
older at the time of delivery
Have an abnormal
screening test and found to be at increased risk for Downs Syndrome
either in the first or second trimester
Have a previous child with a birth defect
Have a family
history of a genetic disease, metabolic disorder, learning disability, hemoglobinopathy
or cancer
Have had multiple pregnancy losses, especially early miscarriages or
stillbirths
Have a medical
condition which requires taking certain medications or were exposed
to a harmful chemical during pregnancy.
The genetics program
works very closely with the ultrasound program to provide a wide array
of prenatal screenings and diagnostic services, including:
First and
second trimester risk assessment for chromosomal problems
Maternal Serum
Quadruple Screen testing and interpretation
Ultrasound Risk
Assessment for Down Syndrome
Chromosome analysis
in a cytogenetic laboratory
First and second
trimester genetic diagnostic procedures (CVS and amniocentesis)
Carrier screening
genetic studies for genetic diseases like Cystic Fibrosis, Tay-Sachs, Sickle
Cell Anemia, beta-Thalassemia and Muscular Dystrophy
Preimplantation genetic diagnosis when there is a known genetic
disease in the family
Cancer genetics
risk assessment and interpretation of results
This
information is not intended to substitute or replace the professional
medical advice you receive from your physician. The content provided
on this page is for informational purposes only, and was not designed
to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Please consult your
physician with any questions or concerns you may have regarding a medical
condition.
