Genetic Services in Idaho 4/26/2010
What are Genetic Services?
Genetic services, including genetic counseling, are offered to people with genetic or inherited diseases and their families and to individuals (often children with birth defects or developmental delays) who are suspected of having a genetic condition. These services help families and their health care providers make informed decisions about their health care. In some cases, families use the information they get in a genetic evaluation to help them make reproductive decisions. The medical community recognizes that genetic information and testing has the potential to affect medical care for all individuals, not just those with birth defects or rare genetic conditions.
Here is a short list of the many conditions that have been shown to have a hereditary/genetic component:
- Down syndrome
- Many forms of mental retardation
- Muscular dystrophy
- Cystic fibrosis
- Congenital heart defects
- Deafness
- Cancer
- Mental illness
- Heart disease
- Adverse reactions to medications
How can I learn more about Genetic Services in Idaho?
More information is available on the Heath and Welfare website. Click Here.
By phone, you can call the Idaho State Genetic Service Program at 1-208-381-7339