Newborn Screening & Genetic Services

Genetic services can provide information on certain disorders that you or your child may have inherited and on how genetic conditions may be passed from one generation to another.  Through these services, you can also find out how likley it is that certain conditions may affect you, your present or future pregnancies, or other members of your family.

Genetic services may include some or all of the following: 

• A review of your family and medical history;
• Physical examination;
• Laboratory testing;
• Genetic counseling/education;
• Management or referral to other specialists experienced in treating or managing rare disorders.

People who might be especially interested in genetic services/counseling include:

• Those who have, or are concerned that they might have an inherited disorder or birth defect
• Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant after age 35
• Couples who already have a child with an inherited disorder or a birth defect
• Couples whose infant has a condition identified by routine newborn screening
• Women who have had two or more miscarriages or babies who died in infancy
• People concerned that their jobs, lifestyles or family or medical history may pose a risk to a pregnancy, including exposure to radiation, medications, chemicals, infection or drugs
• Couples who would like more information about or testing for genetic conditions that occur frequently in their ethnic group
• Pregnant women who, based on ultrasound tests or blood tests, have been told their pregnancy may be at increased risk for complications or birth defects