Family genetics

Abstract

Background: A comprehensive family history, regularly updated and including the patient's ancestry and cultural background can aid in diagnosis, risk prediction, referral andgenetic testing. Objective: This article discusses the professional and support services available to families following the identification of a genetic condition or mutated gene, conferring individual or reproductive risk. Discussion: Genetic testing for a range of conditions is available for diagnostic, carrier, predictive and presymptomatic purposes. Genetic testing for ancestry promoted widely on the internet has little or no scientific validity. Patients should be strongly encouraged to share their genetic informati..