Who Should See a Genetics Professional?

Individuals and families who are concerned about a genetic disease may benefit from a genetic consultation whether or not testing is available for that condition. Many people are seeking information and coping strategies as much as test results.

Reasons for referral for a genetics consultation are often grouped by age: Preconception/Prenatal, Pediatric, and Adult. Common reasons for referral are given below, but these lists are not exhaustive.

Consult your local genetics clinic (see Genetic Services in Hawaii section) to determine whether a genetics referral is appropriate. The clinics have trained genetic practitioners which include: medical/clinical geneticists (medical doctors), genetic counselors, and nutritionists. Patients may be seen independently by a genetic counselor, but in cases where a diagnosis needs to be established, a medical geneticist must be directly involved.

Common reasons for a preconception/prenatal genetics consultation:

  • Mother will be 35 years or older at delivery
  • Abnormal results from a multiple marker screen or fetal ultrasound
  • Personal or family history of a known or suspected genetic disorder, birth defect, or chromosomal abnormality
  • Exposure to a known or suspected chemical/drug/environment that can cause a birth defect
  • Mother has a medical condition known or suspected to affect fetal development
  • Two or more pregnancy losses
  • Close biological relationship of parents
  • Ethnic predisposition to certain genetic disorders

Common reasons for a pediatric genetics consultation:

  • Abnormal newborn screening results
  • One or more major malformations in any organ system
  • Abnormalities in growth
  • Intellectual disability, developmental delay, or autism
  • Blindness or deafness
  • Presence of a known or suspected genetic disorder or chromosomal abnormality
  • Family history of a known or suspected genetic disorder, birth defect, or chromosomal abnormality

Common reasons for an adolescent/adult genetics consultation:

  • Intellectual disability or autism
  • Personal or family history of hereditary cancers
  • Personal or family history of a known or suspected genetic condition or chromosomal abnormality
  • Blindness or deafness
  • Development of a degenerative disease
  • Risk assessment for pregnancy planning
  • Infertility