Clinical Genetics
The clinical genetics program provides high-quality, compassionate genetic counseling for families with concerns about hereditary conditions.
Clinical Care
The goal of genetic counseling is to provide accurate information, which enables individuals, and familites to make their own fully informed decisions. Genetic counseling and evaluation is offered for patients concerned aobut a hereditary condition in their family or a child with a birth defect or mental retardation. We offer counseling for pregnancy for women age 35 or over at delivery, and for women with family histories of genetic or rare conditions.
Program staff meets one-on-one with families to discuss their concerns, provide risk assessments and aid in choosing further testing and decision-making. For couples that desire further testing, the staff follows up with the family to discuss the results. In the event of abnormal results, ongoing supportive counseling is provided. Additionally, clinical genetics works closely with the social work department and the referring provider for families who may need additional care.
Test Results
BIDMC offers prenatal diagnostic services including chorionic villus sampling, amniocentesis, cytogenetic, biochemical and molecular genetic analysis, and fetal blood testing. The department works closely with the Cytogenetics Laboratory at BIDMC to assure that results of chromosome analysis are accurately conveyed to both patients and providers. At the medical center, staff members meet with families who deliver a baby with a possible genetic disorder or birth defect, to coordinate their infant's care with genetics consultants at The Childrens Hospital so that families experience a smooth transition from one service to the other.
Education
Monthly interdisciplinary rounds are held for genetics, perinatology, OB/GYN, neonatology, radiology, cytogenetics, and social work to discuss patients continuing pregnancies with expected anomalies.
