What is pre-test counselling?

Pre-test counselling is a process to give informed consent for genetic testing. It is a requirement to have this before any genetic tests are done.

The discussion includes:

• Genetic information relevant to testing and the disease tested for
• Benefits and limitations of genetic testing
  • Potential insurance implications for yourself and family/relatives
• Possible outcome of results including implications for family members
• Psychosocial issues and anticipated reaction to results
• Previous and current mental health history, and emotional support during and after genetic testing
• Sharing information with family members
• Reproductive options, if relevant
  • Treatment and screening options
  • Referral to geneticists/other specialists as required