Preconception Family History Cases: The Importance of Risk Assessment by a Genetic Counselor

The family history is an important basic component of a pre-IVF screening protocol. Genetic counselors are poised to collect the most comprehensive history from patients and guide the clinician on appropriate workup when genetic conditions are identified in a family. As with any screening program, it is best applied to all patients in the clinic in order to capture all relevant cases.

Two cases will be discussed. These highlight the importance of family history assessment by a genetic counselor for all ART patients in order to routinely assess patients’ family history, helping to ensure that genetic conditions that could affect the health of the patient or the treatment plan are not missed, and that indicated genetic testing based on the family history is offered to patients. Guidelines relating to each case will be discussed.