GENETIC COUNSELLING

Abstract

Genetic counselling is a service that provides information and advice about genetic condition. These are condition caused by changes known as mutation in certain genes and are usually passed down through a family. Genetic counselling is the process through which knowledge about the genetic aspects of illnesses is shared by trained professionals with those who are at an increased risk or either having a heritable disorder or of passing it on to their unborn offspring. A genetic counsellor provides information on the inheritance of illnesses and their recurrence risks; addresses the concerns of patients, their families, and their health care providers; and supports patients and their families dealing with these illnesses. The Heredity Clinic was the first genetic counselling service centre established in 1940 at the University of Michigan, USA. Since then, the many such centers have been opened around the world.