the genetics consult for ovum donors
family history risk assessment
Family history risk assessment is the process of gathering and analyzing the family history by a genetic counselor to understand risks to offspring for diseases and to offer appropriate genetic testing.
purpose
Assessment of the family history is the first step in identifying a possible genetic component to disease.
Some important concepts when evaluating a family history for genetic disease include multiple family members with the same disorder, ethnic predisposition to certain diseases, and early age of onset of the condition.
Results from a BAGC study on over 1000 ovum donors revealed that genetic counseling identified 40% more information than a questionnaire (profile) alone and 20% of the time additional genetic testing was warranted. On a regular basis, patients are identified with a significant genetic disease in their family that would have been missed by questionnaire alone. Knowing this information prior to a pregnancy and having the opportunity to make decisions accordingly is important.
Family history screening provides different information than genetic testing. Genetic testing identifies hidden genetic traits, while family history assessment provides information and risks based on the donor’s actual family.
benefits to intended parents
Having a thorough review and interpretation of the family medical history helps ensure that intended parents have complete family history information but also an interpretation of what the history signifies and the potential risks to their offspring.
The assessment includes a full family history evaluation, data about diseases in the family and risk to offspring, recommendations for genetic testing, a full summary letter, and family tree. For a couple using an anonymous gamete donor, this may be the most detailed information they receive about the medical history of their offspring’s family.
family history risk assessment
Family history risk assessment is the process of gathering and analyzing the family history by a genetic counselor to understand risks to offspring for diseases and to offer appropriate genetic testing.
purpose
Assessment of the family history is the first step in identifying a possible genetic component to disease.
Some important concepts when evaluating a family history for genetic disease include multiple family members with the same disorder, ethnic predisposition to certain diseases, and early age of onset of the condition.
Results from a BAGC study on over 1000 ovum donors revealed that genetic counseling identified 40% more information than a questionnaire (profile) alone and 20% of the time additional genetic testing was warranted. On a regular basis, patients are identified with a significant genetic disease in their family that would have been missed by questionnaire alone. Knowing this information prior to a pregnancy and having the opportunity to make decisions accordingly is important.
Family history screening provides different information than genetic testing. Genetic testing identifies hidden genetic traits, while family history assessment provides information and risks based on the donor’s actual family.
benefits to intended parents
Having a thorough review and interpretation of the family medical history helps ensure that intended parents have complete family history information but also an interpretation of what the history signifies and the potential risks to their offspring.
The assessment includes a full family history evaluation, data about diseases in the family and risk to offspring, recommendations for genetic testing, a full summary letter, and family tree. For a couple using an anonymous gamete donor, this may be the most detailed information they receive about the medical history of their offspring’s family.