This is an essential manual for the future of genetic counselling. It codifies the theory and practice of laboratory genetic counselling in an accessible and comprehensive format. With contributions from laboratorians, geneticists, and genetic counsellors from more than 30 institutions, it offers a manual of standards and practices that will benefit students and counsellors at any career stage

The first book devoted exclusively to the principles and practice of genetic counseling—now in a new edition First published in 1998, A Guide to Genetic Counseling quickly became a bestselling and widely recognized text, used nationally and internationally in genetic counseling training programs. Now in its eagerly anticipated Second Edition, it provides a thoroughly revised and comprehensive overview of genetic counseling, focusing on the components, theoretical framework, and unique approach to patient care that are the basis of this profession. The book defines the core competencies and covers the genetic counseling process from case initiation to completion—in addition to addressing global professional issues—with an emphasis on describing fundamental principles and practices. Chapters are written by leaders in the field of genetic counseling and are organized to facilitate academic instruction and skill attainment. They provide the most up-to-date coverage of: The history and practice of genetic counseling Family history Interviewing Case preparation and management Psychosocial counseling Patient education Risk communication and decision-making Medical genetics evaluation Understanding genetic testing Medical documentation Multicultural counseling Ethical and legal issues Student supervision Genetic counseling research Professional development Genetics education and outreach Evolving roles and expanding opportunities Case examples A Guide to Genetic Counseling, Second Edition belongs on the syllabi of all medical and human genetics and genetic counseling training programs. It is an indispensable reference for both students and healthcare professionals working with patients who have or are at risk for genetic conditions.

Introduction to genetic counseling -- History of genetic counseling -- Practice definition and goals -- Characteristics of clients and genetic counseling -- Characteristics of counselors and genetic counseling -- Applying ethical theories to genetic counseling practice -- Conflict of interest and the code of ethics -- Relational genetic counseling -- Theories for genetic counseling practice -- Research in genetic counseling -- Genetic counseling in the genomic era.

Genetic counselling is widely accepted as an integral part of the management of every patient with an inherited disorder. This book describes in detail how risks can be estimated or calculated for most counselling situations, using nothing more complex than a knowledge of the simple laws of probability and a pocket calculator. All patterns of inheritance are considered. Particular attention is paid to the segregation of balanced chromosome rearrangements and risk calculation in single gene inheritance taking into account factors such as reduced penetrance, late age of onset, consanguinity and the extended family. The use of linked markers -- an area of rapidly increasing importance in carrier detection and prenatal diagnosis -- is also covered at length. The text has been written in a straightforward, "user-friendly" style with liberal use of worked examples and will be of benefit to everyone involved in the provision and delivery of genetic counselling services.

Raising hopes for disease treatment and prevention, but also the specter of discrimination and "designer genes," genetic testing is potentially one of the most socially explosive developments of our time. This book presents a current assessment of this rapidly evolving field, offering principles for actions and research and recommendations on key issues in genetic testing and screening. Advantages of early genetic knowledge are balanced with issues associated with such knowledge: availability of treatment, privacy and discrimination, personal decision-making, public health objectives, cost, and more. Among the important issues covered: Quality control in genetic testing. Appropriate roles for public agencies, private health practitioners, and laboratories. Value-neutral education and counseling for persons considering testing. Use of test results in insurance, employment, and other settings.

An essential manual for the future of genetic counseling Genetic counselors possess the important set of skills necessary to face the unique challenges encountered within the laboratory. As the primary liaisons between genetic technologies and patient-facing clinicians, lab counselors must have equal competency in genetic testing protocols, interpretation, and communication of clinical recommendations. Practical Genetic Counseling for the Laboratory is the first book to codify the theory and practice of laboratory genetic counseling in an accessible and comprehensive format. With contributions from laboratorians, geneticists, and genetic counselors from more than 30 institutions, it offers a manual of standards and practices that will benefit students and counselors at any career stage. Topical coverage includes: · Interpretation of genetic tests, including those specific to biochemical genetics, cytogenetics, molecular genetics, and prenatal screening · Practical guidelines for test utilization, test development, and laboratory case management · Elements for education and training in the laboratory · Counseling skills, including the consideration of ethical dilemmas, nonclinical considerations, including sales and publishing For students in this important sector of the industry or for counselors already working in it, Practical Genetic Counseling for the Laboratory offers readers a standardized approach to a dynamic subject matter that will help shape the field's future.

The second edition of Genetic Counseling Practice: Advanced Concepts and Skills, provides in-depth content regarding the advanced competencies for meeting patient needs across the changing landscape of genetic counseling practice. The content aligns with the Reciprocal Engagement Model (REM) of practice which integrates the biomedical knowledge and psychosocial aspects of genetic counseling. This edition has been revised and expanded to reflect advances made in the present-day field. Edited by a team two genetic counselors and a psychologist, the chapters offer a holistic picture of genetic counseling. Chapter authors are all recognized experts in the profession. The chapters are grounded in evidence-based practice and research. Each chapter includes learning activities to help readers apply concepts and skills. Featured topic areas include: Meeting the needs of culturally diverse patients Addressing challenging patient dynamics Working with children, adolescents and families Using emerging service delivery models for genetic counseling Engaging in self-reflective, deliberate practice Promoting genetic counselor professional development Genetic Counseling Practice is an indispensable guide to the complex and evolving field of genetic counseling, and this updated second edition will help practitioners and trainees alike navigate its most pressing and practical challenges with skill and care.

Designed as an aid to students in Genetics counseling classes and professionals interested in honing their skills, Facilitating the Genetic Counseling Process will guide the reader through the why's and how's of assisting clients with these complex issues. The authors' collective years of both teaching students and counseling clients is reflected in the clear, practical approach of this manual.

Advances in cytogenetics continue to crop up in wonderful ways, and we know exponentially more about chromosomes now than mere decades ago. Likewise, the necessary skills in offering genetic counseling continue to evolve. This new edition of Chromosome Abnormalities in Genetic Counseling offers a practical, up-to-date guide for the genetic counselor to marshal cytogenetic data and analysis clearly and effectively to families.

Even as classic cytogenetics has given way to molecular karyotyping, and as new deletion and duplication syndromes are identified almost every day, the fundamental role of the genetics clinic remains mostly unchanged. Genetic counselors and medical geneticists explain the "unexplainable," helping families understand why abnormalities occur and whether they're likely to occur again. Chromosome Abnormalities and Genetic Counseling is the genetics professional's definitive guide to navigating both chromosome disorders and the clinical questions of the families they impact. Combining a primer on these disorders with the most current approach to their best clinical approaches, this classic text is more than just a reference; it is a guide to how to think about these disorders, even as our technical understanding of them continues to evolve. Completely updated and still infused with the warmth and voice that have made it essential reading for professionals across medical genetics, this edition of Chromosome Abnormalities and Genetic Counseling represents a leap forward in clinical understanding and communication. It is, as ever, essential reading for the field.