Provides assessment, diagnosis and counselling, as well as screening and management recommendations, to Albertans across the lifespan (pre-conception, newborn, pediatric and adult) who are at risk for, or affected by, genetic condition(s), birth defects and rare diseases.
Patients may meet with a physician (clinical geneticist), genetic counsellor and/or a genetic nurse, depending on the referral reason.
A geneticist is on call 24/7 in Calgary and Edmonton. Telehealth is available for Alberta residents.
A consultation may involve:
- a review of the patient and/or relevant family members’ medical histories
- a physical examination of the patient, and possibly relevant family members such as parents and siblings
- investigations, such as medical imaging and blood work
- referrals to other medical specialists
- genetic counselling to provide patients and their family members with information about the specific genetic condition that they have or are at risk for
- genetic counselling to support patients and their family members in making informed decisions about testing and screening options
- genetic counselling to identify additional family members who may benefit from a genetic assessment
For more information on genetic services visit Clinical and Metabolic Genetics.