Eight indications for referral to genetic counseling
Obstetricians need to have a strategy to provide basic pretest education and counseling to their pregnant patients.
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In some cases, it’s prudent to refer a patient to a genetic counselor for discussion of testing options. However, it’s neither practical nor realistic to send every prenatal patient for formal genetic counseling. Therefore, obstetricians need to have a strategy to provide basic pretest education and counseling to their pregnant patients.
For more information on genetic testing: New tools for counseling on prenatal genetic testing
These are eight indications for referral to genetic counseling:
1. Family history of a known or suspected genetic disorder
2. Known carrier of a genetic condition
3. Consanguinity (blood relationship of parents, first cousins, or closer)
4. Fetal structural anomaly on prenatal ultrasound
5. Abnormal screening test result either traditional serum screening or cell-free DNA screening.
6. Known teratogenic exposure
7. Recurrent pregnancy loss (3 or more first-trimester losses, stillbirth, or neonatal or fetal loss with structural anomalies)
8. Patient request for additional information regarding genetic test options
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