Genetic Counseling

Genetic counseling can help people with questions about genetic concerns affecting their families. A genetic counselor can give information about the following: 

  • Birth defects, such as cleft lip or congenital heart disease.
  • Intellectual disability.
  • Genetic diseases affecting children and adults, such as cystic fibrosis, Down syndrome, neurofibromatosis and Huntington's disease.  
  • More than one birth defect in a person, whether or not there is known cause.
  • Marriage between close blood relatives. 
  • Higher chances in some people for certain diseases, such as Tay Sachs disease in people of Jewish descent or sickle cell disease in African Americans. 
  • Infertility, stillbirths, infant deaths or more than one miscarriage.
  • Diseases that run in families, such as cancer, manic depression, kidney disease and certain heart conditions. 

A genetic counselor can also give information about the following concerns in planned or current pregnancies:

  • Women who are in their mid 30's and older.
  • Prenatal tests such as amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS).
  • Effects of radiation, infections medications, drugs or alcohol.
  • Health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure or seizures. 

To schedule an appointment simply call (520) 694-6010 and our courteous scheduling coordinators will assist you.  For information on the Profession of Genetic Counseling, please contact Dee Quinn, MS, CGC at dquinn@email.arizona.edu or call (520) 626-4382.

 

                                                         

                   

Catelyn Slayback, MS                        Dee L. Quinn, MS, CGC