Expert Genetic Counselling Services for Specialised Guidance
What Is Genetic Counseling?
Genetic counselling is a specialised branch of science aimed at helping individuals, couples and families understand the genetic aspects of illness. As an integral part of our genetic testing services, it is a process through which knowledge about genetics is shared by a genetic counsellor for a person to understand and adapt to the medical, psychological, reproductive and familial implications of the genetic contribution to specific health conditions.
When there is a suspicion of a genetic condition in a newborn, a family history of cancer, a positive result in a screening test for Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome, or Patau syndrome, a previous child diagnosed with a condition, or a history of adverse pregnancy outcomes, or infertility — these are a few examples of situations that confront patients with difficult information to be understood and assimilated along with an array of contradictory emotions. In situations like this, genetic counselling plays an invaluable role in the process by offering specialized services within a clinical setting.
A genetic counsellor provides information on the inheritance of the condition and recurrence risks. Also, a genetic counsellor helps an individual to address the scientific and emotional issues that arise in such scenarios and actively helps them make informed decisions based on the individual’s own values and circumstances.
When Should You See a Genetic Counsellor?
Genetic counsellors help identify families at possible risk of a genetic condition by gathering and analysing family history and inheritance patterns and recurrence risk assessment.
- They provide information about genetic testing and related procedures.
- They address complex and difficult-to-comprehend information about genetic risks, testing, and diagnosis to families and patients.
- They help families understand the significance of genetic conditions in relation to cultural, personal, and familial contexts.
- They also discuss available options and can provide referrals to educational services, advocacy and support groups, other health professionals, and community or state services.
Our BGCI-Certified Genetic Counsellors
Our counsellors act as the bridge between complex laboratory data and clinical action. They go beyond simply delivering results— they interpret the nuances of your DNA, offering an empathetic perspective and personalized roadmaps for treatment or family planning. By choosing BGCI certified genetic counselling, you ensure your journey is guided by certified expertise.
Comprehensive Pre-test & Post-test Genetic Counseling Workflow
Pre-test Counselling (The Assessment)
- Pedigree Analysis: We map your family’s medical history across three generations.
- Risk Assessment: Evaluating the likelihood of a genetic condition based on clinical symptoms or history.
- Test Selection: Choosing the right tool — whether it is a simple PCR, FISH analysis, or a comprehensive NGS panel like GeneSight Andro.
Informed Consent
Laboratory Analysis
Samples (blood or semen) are processed in our state-of-the-art genetics lab using high-resolution technologies.
Post-Test Counseling (The Interpretation)
Clear Explanation
We translate technical jargon into actionable health information.
Management Planning
If a variant is found, we discuss the next steps — such as surgical sperm retrieval (TESE), ICSI, PGT-M, or specific medical interventions.
Psychological Support
Helping you and your partner process the emotional impact of the findings.
When to Refer to a Genetic Counsellor?
Knowing when to refer to a genetic counsellor can be important for individuals or couples who are concerned about the risk of inherited genetic conditions. Here are some situations where referral to a genetic counsellor may be recommended:
- Pre Marital
- Pre Conception
- Pre Natal
- Pediatric
- Adult
- Reproductive
Offered to all couples with or without any genetic condition in the family. Mainly for a couple who are planning to get married consanguineously. Also, for couples where, both the partners are deaf/ mute, or both the partners are blind. Proven or suspected genetic disorder in the proposed partner or his/her family member.
Preconceptual genetic counseling is available to couples who are planning a pregnancy, to discuss risks to a future pregnancy as well as available testing options. Common reasons to seek preconceptual genetic counseling are:
- A woman who is (or will be) 35 years or older at delivery (singleton pregnancy), or 33 years or older at delivery (twin gestation).
- A man who is (or will be) 40 years or older at delivery of his child.
- Both partners are blood relatives, or from the same community, to discuss carrier screening.
- A positive carrier screening test for a genetic condition such as thalassemia, sickle cell anemia, cystic fibrosis, Tay-Sachs, etc.
- For a woman with an abnormal marker test, abnormal scan
- Previous child affected with a genetic condition
- Both partners being carrier for the same condition
- One partner being affected with a condition
- Either member of the couple with personal or family history of a known genetic condition, chromosomal abnormality (such as translocation, marker chromosome, mosaicism, etc.), cleft lip/palate, mental retardation, autism, hearing/vision loss, etc.
A genetic condition may be suspected because of clinical symptoms, birth defects, or developmental delays. The aim of genetic counseling in pediatrics is dual:
- To establish a genetic diagnosis that will inform overall prognosis, treatment, and/or health care management
- To provide information about recurrence risks and testing options to the parents for a future pregnancies
- Family history of cancer/ cluster of cancers such as Breast, Ovarian, Prostate cancer
- Young onset of cancer
- Male breast cancer
- Cardiovascular problems: Family history of stoke, Long QT syndrome, etc
- Progressive neurologic condition known to be genomitically determined such as a peripheral neuropathy, unexplained myopathy, progressive ataxia, early onset dementia, and a familial movement disorder
- Visual loss known to be associated with genetic factors such as retinitis pigmentosa, early-onset macular degeneration, and cataracts
- Early onset hearing loss
- Primary infertility – When a couple is married for a year and have unprotected intercourse, but unable to conceive.
- Secondary Infertility – Secondary infertility refers to couples who have been able to get pregnant at least once, but now are unable.
- Recurrent pregnancy loss – When there are more than two spontaneous abortions or unexplained first trimester abortion, it is termed as recurrent pregnancy loss. ( Usually associated with trisomies and monosomies)
- Previous child affected with a condition
- Preimplantation Genetic Testing and Diagnosis – Offered for those couples who are planning to get pregnant by ART.
Consent & Ethical Considerations
Genetic information is deeply personal. Anderson Genetics adheres to the strictest ethical guidelines to protect our patients:
Autonomy
Confidentiality
Informed Choice
Ready to Uncover the Answers to Your Health?
How Genetic Counselling Benefits Your Journey
Beyond delivering laboratory results, genetic counseling provides the essential context and clarity needed to navigate complex medical choices with confidence.