Genetic Counseling at Berries Health and Genetics

Approximately 5% to 10% of most diseases have a hereditary component, meaning they can be passed from one generation to the next through small changes, sometimes called variants or mutations, in our genes. The goal of genetic counseling at Berries Health and Genetics is to help patients understand how genetic testing can determine whether such conditions in your family are hereditary and to develop plans to mitigate their impact on you and those in your family.

 When to Consider Genetic Counseling:

There are a wide range of reasons why someone might consider genetic counseling:

• If you or someone in your family has been diagnosed with a genetic condition and are concerned about its implications for yourself and your family members, including siblings, children, and grandchildren.
• If several people in your family have experienced similar health issues such as heart disease or cancer, and you want to assess your or other relatives’ risk based on family history.
• You are thinking about starting or expanding your family and want to be tested for carrier screening before becoming pregnant to see if you and/or your partner are silent carriers for any genetic conditions such as cystic fibrosis, spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), Tay-Sachs disease, Fragile X syndrome, etc.

 Our Expertise: At Berries Health and Genetics, our team includes board-certified genetic counselors and board-certified clinical molecular geneticists (PhD) with expertise across various genetic conditions and specialties. During your initial consultation, which can be conducted in person at our Kirkland center or online for your convenience, they will thoroughly review your medical and family history to evaluate the likelihood that your condition is hereditary and discuss which genetic testing option, if any, would be most informative. They will discuss the benefits and limitations of genetic testing, helping you decide if it is the right step for you.

Navigating the Process with Care: Understanding the emotional significance of genetic testing, Berries Health, and Genetics provides compassionate guidance throughout the process. We address all your concerns, explain your results in understandable terms, and assist you in making informed decisions for yourself and your family.

 The Genetic Testing Process: Should you opt for genetic testing, our local lab in Kirkland, WA, will analyze a small saliva sample to identify genetic changes that may increase the risk of certain diseases. This process is supported by the latest technological advancements to ensure accuracy.

Leveraging Genetic Insights: If you have questions or concerns about your current or future health, insights from genetic testing have the potential to enable your healthcare providers to tailor treatments specifically to your genetic profile.