The purpose of this manual is to provide a genetics educational resource for patients and health professionals in the New England states and to increase awareness of specialty care in genetics. The manual opens with a basic introduction to genetic concepts followed by a description of the different types and applications of genetic tests. We also provide information about diagnosis of a genetic disease, family-history taking, newborn screening, and genetic counseling. We included helpful resources to assist in patient care, patient and professional education, and specialty genetics services in New England. At the end of each section, we provide a list of references to use if you desire additional information. In addition, we provide a series of consumer fact sheets to be copied and offered to patients. These take-home resources are critical to helping patients understand some of the basic concepts and applications of genetics.
Copyright © 2008, Genetic Alliance.