Genetic Counseling
In every family, certain traits pass from one generation to the next. We get two copies of every gene, one from our mother and one from our father. Some traits are obvious, like eye or hair color. Others are less obvious, like the genes that raise your risk for certain diseases or conditions. If one of your parents carries a damaged gene, your risk goes up, too. A genetic counselor in Springfield, MO, can help you make sense of that risk through genetic testing, which studies your DNA to see if you're predisposed to developing certain conditions.
What is a genetic counselor?
A genetic counselor is a trained health care professional who helps you understand your risk for inherited diseases and guides you through genetic testing. They review your family health history, explain your testing options, and help you understand what your results mean for you and your family.