genetic counseling

American  

[juh-net-ik koun-suh-ling] / dʒəˈnɛt ɪk ˈkaʊn sə lɪŋ /

noun

Medicine/Medical, Psychology.

1. the counseling of individuals with questions, concerns, or general interest in their genetic profiles and histories: genetic counseling can address issues that include inheritance patterns and risks to future offspring, personal risks of cancer and other diseases, and medical and psychological challenges of genetic predispositions.

---

genetic counseling Scientific  

1. The counseling of individuals, especially prospective parents with respect to their offspring, about the statistical probabilities of inheriting genetic diseases and the nature, diagnosis, and treatment of such diseases.

---

genetic counseling Cultural  

1. The practice of counseling a person about the results of genetic testing so that the results are accurately understood. The person being counseled may then make a more informed decision about any actions to be taken.

---

Other Word Forms

• genetic counselor noun

Etymology

Origin of genetic counseling

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

The Netherlands now offers genetic counseling and follow-up testing, including whole-body MRIs, to all those who receive such test results.

From Science Magazine • Dec. 4, 2024

Michael and his wife, wanting to start a family, did what lots of young people do: They got preemptive, routine genetic counseling.

From Salon • Sep. 30, 2024

The fees cover the cost of the screenings as well as genetic counseling and the additional testing needed for any patient who screens positive.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 12, 2022

“There’s a lot of miscarriages in that ratio,” said Laura Hercher, director of student research at the Sarah Lawrence College genetic counseling program.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 20, 2022

But after August was born, my parents underwent genetic counseling.

From "Wonder" by R. J. Palacio