Why talk to a genetic counsellor?
Because genomic tests and results may be complex and involve other family members or future family planning options, genomic testing can require a broader and more detailed discussion than required for more simple tests. This discussion may be provided by a non-genetic medical practitioner, however some tests may require a pre or post-test consultation with genetic counsellors.
Genetic counsellors have specialised knowledge in human genomics, counselling and health communication skills. They can help people understand what they are being tested for, their test result, any implications for themselves and other family members, as well as providing information and resources, support and compassion, and guidance in making informed decisions about their health.
Genomic Diagnostics aims to provide our referrers with support in accessing genetic counselling services. We do this by facilitating referral and free consultations for selected tests with external providers of genetic counselling. Alternatively, you can select from a list of public and private genetic counselling services that are not part of the free consultation program. As a laboratory service, we are not a direct provider of genetic counselling services.
Genetic Counselling for Generation NIPT
Genomic Diagnostics offers free of charge genetic counselling through their counselling partners when a Generation test returns a high risk result.
A specific referral form is provided with all Generation high risk results, which is then completed and faxed the Genetic Counselling Australia if the patient wishes to use this service. Patients will be contacted within 24 hours of receiving the fax to arrange a counselling appointment, which occurs as a telehealth consultation.
The genetic counselling session will include:
- A detailed explanation of their high risk result including chance that it is a true positive result
- The benefits and limitations of the test
- A description of the condition detected
- The recommended next steps/further testing options
- Discussion about the emotional and psychosocial impact of a high risk Generation NIPT result
- Plus answer any questions the patient may have
Following the session, a fact sheet will be provided to the patient and a letter will be forwarded to referring healthcare practitioner summarising the consultation.
Genetic counselling for Genetic Carrier Screening
Genomic Diagnostics offers free of charge genetic counselling through their genetic counselling partners for couples who have been identified as carriers though the Genetic Carrier Screen test.
A specific referral form for genetic counselling is provided to the requesting doctor for all carrier couples. The initial details are filled in by Genomic Diagnostics then sent to the doctor for discussion with the couple. If the couple wish to use the counselling service, the form is signed by the doctor and forwarded to the genetic counsellor. Patients will be contacted within 48 hours of receiving the referral to arrange a counselling appointment, which occurs as a telehealth consultation.
The genetic counselling session will include:
- Explanation of the individuals carrier and health status
- Discussion about the carrier screening test plus its limitations
- Genetics and inheritance in general
- Implications for other family members
- Answering any questions they might have
Following the session, a fact sheet will be provided to the couple and a letter will be forwarded to referring healthcare practitioner summarising the consultation.
Genetic counselling for familial cancers
Genomic Diagnostics offers free of charge pre-test genetic counselling through their genetic counselling partners for individuals who qualify for the MBS Item numbers 73295 or 73296 relating to breast and ovarian cancer genetic testing, and for individuals who qualify for MBS item numbers 73354 or 73355 relating to familial colorectal cancer genetic testing.
If the patient wishes to use this service, this is requested at the time of ordering the hereditary breast and ovarian cancer genetic test or the familial colorectal cancer genetic test, with either the Genetic Counselling box ticked on the Cancer Genetics Request form, or “genetic counselling” written on the standard request form. Patients will be contacted upon receipt of the request by the laboratory to arrange a counselling appointment, which occurs as a telehealth consultation.
The genetic counselling session will include:
- An explanation of genetics, inheritance and the concept of inherited cancers
- Clarification of what the test is looking for, it’s utility, potential outcomes and implications for themselves and other family members
- Discussion of the patient’s cancer experience and psychosocial impact
- Plus answer any questions they may have.
Following the session, a fact sheet will be provided to the patient and a letter will be forwarded to referring healthcare practitioner summarising the consultation.
HGSA registered genetic counsellors nationwide
The HGSA (Human Genetics Society of Australia) maintains a Register of Genetic Counsellors for each state and territory in Australia. These people are regulated by the HGSA Board of Censors for Genetic Counselling. To access the list please click here.
Private genetic counsellors
Genomic Diagnostics recommends a number of private Genetic Counselling Services who are highly skilled and experienced in a variety of areas.
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