Medical Genetics
Genes are the building blocks of our lives. They contain information, passed from one generation to the next, that affect how our bodies grow, function and develop. Genes also influence our health — they determine our risk for developing certain diseases or how we respond to infections or treatments.
Medical genetics is a specialty that explores the connection between our genes and our health. Sometimes changes in genes (known as mutations) can lead to serious medical conditions. Families may also have concerns about passing inherited disorders on to their children. Whatever challenges you face, the MultiCare Medical Genetics team helps you understand how your genes affect your health. Our goal is to provide the expertise, information, support and advocacy you need to make informed decisions about your care and your future.
Services we offer
We work with children, adults and families who have known or suspected inherited conditions. Our medical genetics team provides diagnostic evaluations, genetic testing, genetic counseling, disease monitoring and treatment among other types of care.
Genetic testing involves taking a sample of your tissue or blood. The results can indicate what role your genes may play in causing or raising your risk for an illness. However, choosing to undergo genetic testing is a personal decision. Our certified genetic counselors can help you better understand your particular situation, clarify the benefits and limitations of genetic testing, and understand the results should you choose to move forward.
Learn more about our services below. Please note that the availability of services varies by location.
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Some genetic conditions are present at birth while others may not develop until later in life. We provide genetic testing for adults to help them determine if they are at risk for developing genetic conditions, such as muscular dystrophy, Huntington’s disease, hemochromatosis, blood clot disorders and hereditary (passed down from parents to children) cardiac disorders, among others. If you are at risk, we can help you create a plan to prevent or minimize medical problems and maximize your long-term health.
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Sometimes gene mutations can increase your risk of developing certain types of cancer. Our genetic counselors can help you determine your level of risk and develop a personalized plan for moving forward. You may benefit from a cancer genetics consultation if:
- There is a pattern of cancer in your family
- You have family members who developed cancer at a young age
- A relative has more than one type of cancer
- Family members have cancers, such as ovarian cancer or colorectal cancer, that are linked to inherited cancer syndromes
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At Mary Bridge Children’s and other locations, we work with youth who have inherited metabolic disorders, failure to thrive, developmental delays, seizures, birth defects, hearing loss and many other conditions. Our goal is to help you understand the effects of a genetic condition or trait, support your family in making decisions and help your child reach their full potential.
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We work with individuals, couples and families who have concerns about genetic conditions or birth defects they may pass on to their children. Our team consults with parents who are already expecting as well as those who are not yet pregnant:
You may benefit from a prenatal genetics consultation if:
- You are interested in prenatal screening and testing
- You received an abnormal prenatal screening or ultrasound result
- You have been exposed to medications, drugs, herbs, viruses, chemicals or other harmful substances in the environment during pregnancy
- You have experienced three or more pregnancy losses
- A pregnancy involves blood relatives (relatives related by birth rather than marriage)
- You and your partner are carriers of a genetic condition
- You, your partner, your children or any other family member has a genetic disorder, birth defect or developmental delay
What to expect
We provide medical genetics services on a referral basis. During an initial appointment, we’ll review your personal and family medical history, discuss the value of genetic testing and what options may be a good fit for your situation. Please note that genetic testing results may take several weeks or longer. Due to the specialized nature of genetic tests, most require preauthorization from your insurance company.
Once genetic testing is complete, we’ll discuss the results with you and any further plans for care at a follow-up appointment.
