Genetic counselling
Support to help you understand genetic risks, testing options, and what results may mean for you and your family
Genetic counselling is a specialist healthcare service that helps individuals and families understand what genetic information means for their health and for their relatives. It supports informed, voluntary decision‑making by providing clear medical explanations alongside emotional and practical guidance.
A genetic diagnosis, or even the possibility of one, can raise complex questions. Whether you are considering genetic testing, waiting for results, or trying to understand a diagnosis, a genetic counsellor helps you make sense of the information and explore your options with confidence.
Genetic counselling is relevant at many different stages of care. You do not need to have a confirmed diagnosis or to proceed with genetic testing to benefit from counselling.
Availability of genetic counselling services varies by country. Please to find out what is available in your region and how to access support.
What does genetic counselling involve?
Genetic counselling is a communication process that helps individuals and families understand and adapt to the medical, psychological and practical implications of genetic conditions.
It combines:
- Specialist knowledge of medical genetics
- Careful risk assessment
- Skilled, empathetic counselling
Genetic counselling is non‑directive. This means the counsellor’s role is to ensure you have accurate, balanced information and the space to make decisions that are right for you, not to tell you what to do.
Importantly, genetic counselling and genetic testing are not the same thing. You can have counselling without having a genetic test, and counselling is recommended both before and after testing to support informed decisions.
Who is genetic counselling for?
Genetic counselling is relevant for anyone facing questions about inherited conditions, not only those who have already received a diagnosis.
Situation | Why genetic counselling can help |
| A genetic condition runs in your family | Understand your personal risk, the inheritance pattern, and whether testing is relevant for you or your relatives |
| You or a family member has been diagnosed | Make sense of the diagnosis, explore your options, and understand implications for other family members |
| You are planning a pregnancy | Explore carrier screening, prenatal testing options, and family planning choices before or during pregnancy |
| A hereditary cancer is common in your family | Assess your risk, understand surveillance or risk-reduction options, and decide whether predictive testing is right for you |
| You have received genetic test results | Have your results explained clearly, including what they mean for your health, and whether family members should consider testing |
| Your child has an unexplained diagnosis | Navigate the diagnostic process, access specialist care, and understand recurrence risk for future pregnancies |
Who provides genetic counselling?
Genetic counsellors
A genetic counsellor is a registered healthcare professional with specialist training in both medical genetics and counselling. Genetic counsellors typically work as part of a multidisciplinary clinical genetics team alongside clinical geneticists, laboratory scientists and specialist nurses.
In Europe, genetic counsellors practise in line with the standards of the and relevant national professional bodies. Our laboratories and services operate in accordance with European guidelines, including those of the , and with national legislation such as the where applicable.
What a genetic counsellor can help with?
A genetic counsellor can support you by:
- Explaining genetic conditions and inheritance patterns in plain language
- Taking a detailed family history and assessing personal and familial risk
- Helping you decide whether genetic testing is right for you
- Explaining genetic test results, including uncertain findings
- Discussing implications for family members and options for cascade testing
- Providing emotional support and signposting to further resources
What to expect from a genetic counselling appointment?
A genetic counselling session is usually structured around your needs and questions. It may include:
- Family history review: A detailed family tree (pedigree) is drawn, covering at least three generations. Gathering this information in advance is helpful.
- Risk assessment: Your counsellor assesses the likelihood of a genetic condition being present or inherited, based on your history and any available test results.
- Testing discussion: If genetic testing is relevant, the options, benefits, and limitations are explained. You decide whether to proceed, there is no obligation.
- Results and next steps: Results are explained in a supported setting. Your counsellor will discuss implications, next steps, and whether family members should be considered for testing.
How to prepare for my genetic counselling appointment
Gathering information about your family’s medical history in advance will make your appointment much more productive. Try to note:
- Names, ages, and any diagnoses of first- and second-degree relatives (parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts and uncles)
- Ages at diagnosis and causes of death for deceased relatives
- Any previous genetic test results, yours or a family member’s
- A written list of your questions
Genetic counselling before and after testing
Pre-test counselling
Before any genetic test is carried out, counselling should take place to ensure you understand what the test can and cannot detect, what the possible results mean, and what you might do with that information. Informed, voluntary consent is obtained before any sample is taken. Pre-test counselling is best practice across European guidelines for all predictive and diagnostic genetic tests.
Post-test counselling
Results are never delivered without support. A counsellor will explain what has been found, or not found, and will discuss what it means for your health, your family, and any next steps. This may include referral to a specialist, a surveillance plan, or cascade testing for relatives.
What if my results are uncertain?
A variant of uncertain significance (VUS) means a genetic variant has been identified, but current evidence is insufficient to determine whether it affects health. This is not uncommon, particularly with broad tests. Our laboratories regularly review and reclassify variants as evidence evolves. Your counsellor will explain what a VUS means for you and will inform you of any future reclassifications.
The emotional side of genetic information
Genetic information can evoke a wide range of emotions, including relief, anxiety, guilt or grief. There is no right or wrong way to feel.
Emotional support is a core part of genetic counselling. If you are unsure whether you want to know certain information, or feel overwhelmed, your counsellor will help you explore your options without pressure.
Genetic information can also affect biological relatives. Your counsellor can provide written information that you may choose to share with family members. The decision to share is always yours.
Privacy and your genetic data
Genetic data is among the most sensitive personal information held about you. All genetic data processed through our laboratories is handled in compliance with the and, where applicable, national legislation such as the and the .
Your results are shared only with your treating healthcare professionals and members of your care team. They are not shared with employers, insurers or third parties without your explicit consent.
Regulations governing the use of genetic test results by insurers vary by country. In many European countries, insurers are prohibited from requesting or using predictive genetic test results in underwriting decisions. We recommend checking the regulations applicable in your country before proceeding with predictive testing if this is a concern for you. Your genetic counsellor can provide guidance specific to your situation.
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This page is intended for general patient education only. It does not replace advice from your doctor, genetic counsellor, or other qualified healthcare professional. Always discuss your individual circumstances with your care team.