Laboratory Genetic Counseling
Laboratory genetic counselors collaborate with physicians and other healthcare providers in selecting genetic testing options for their patients.
Our dedicated team works closely with Cleveland Clinic’s Clinical Genetics Team in the Genomic Medicine Institute to improve the access and delivery of genetic services.
Additionally, laboratory genetic counselors play an integral role within the Laboratory Stewardship Committee and actively supports Seattle Children’s Patient-centered Laboratory Utilization Guidance Services.
Laboratory Resources
Laboratory genetic counselors support the genetic testing process as liaisons between clinicians and molecular & cytogenetic laboratories.
When an order for genetic testing is received, a genetic counselor may review the reason for testing to confirm that it matches the ordered test. After testing is complete, the counselor is involved in reviewing the results and assisting in the preparation of easy-to-understand final reports for healthcare providers and their patients.
Our team of genetic counselors is available to answer questions from clinicians regarding the selection of genetic testing that is most appropriate for a patient and the interpretation and translation of genetic test results.
About Genetic Counselors
Through specialized education in genetics and counseling, genetic counselors understand inherited diseases and provide personalized assistance to patients making decisions about their genetic health.
By reviewing a patient’s family and medical histories, laboratory genetic counselors can help determine which genetic tests are most-appropriate and evaluate test results to assess how they may impact an individual’s health.
To learn more about genetic counselors, visit the National Society of Genetic Counselors for more information.
Resources for Healthcare Providers
GeneReviews® – NCBI Bookshelf
GeneReviews® provides clinically relevant and medically actionable information for a broad selection of genetic disorders.
Genetic Testing Registry (GTR) – NCBI
This directory of genetic tests uses information provided by laboratories.
Regulation of Genetic Tests – NHGRI
The National Human Genome Research Institute has a wealth of accessible resources, including details regarding the regulation of genetic tests.
Resources for Patients
Choosing Wisely®
The American Board of Internal Medicine developed Choosing Wisely® to promote conversations between clinicians and patients, including how to make smart decisions about genetic testing.
Genetic Alliance
Genetic Alliance provides support for individuals and families, and aids in educating clinicians and advancing research.
Genetics Home Reference – NIH
Provided by the NIH US National Library of Medicine, the Genetics Home Reference provides information about genetic disorders as well as genetic and direct-to-consumer testing.
National Society of Genetic Counselors
Learn more about genetic counseling and genetic testing, including direct-to-consumer genetic testing, from the National Society of Genetic Counselors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cost of Genetic Testing
Genetic test prices often range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, depending on the test and the performing laboratory. Performing laboratories should be able to provide their list prices upon request. How much a patient pays for genetic testing depends on their insurance coverage.
Insurance Coverage
The majority of insurance companies require prior authorization, which may include proof of medical necessity before a sample is sent for genetic testing.
For more information, refer to our Insurance and Genetic Testing overview.
Turnaround Time
The amount of time required for genetic testing ranges from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the test. There are also a few genetic tests, such as whole exome or genome sequencing, that may require several months to complete.
Cleveland Clinic Laboratories lists turnaround times for our tests in our Test Directory.
Direct-to-Consumer Testing
Direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic testing is becoming more available to consumers nationwide. This type of testing is not intended as a diagnostic test, meaning that results from direct-to-consumer testing need to be repeated in a clinical laboratory before they should be used to manage clinical care. Such clinical testing must be ordered by a healthcare provider.
Laboratory Genetic Counselors
