Why Is Genetic Counselling Important?
Before undergoing any genetic testing, it is important to speak to a genetic counsellor or another qualified healthcare provider about the risks, benefits, and limitations of parental karyotyping. For example, one limitation of karyotyping is that it cannot detect disorders due to mutations in single genes, such as Cystic fibrosis, TaySachs disease, or Sickle cell anemia.
Genetic counselling is recommended both prior to testing, as well as after the results are complete, in order to help discuss further options.
What next if karyotyping reveal abnormalities?
Couple should go for genetic counselling who can do a pedigree analysis and predict the risk of transmission of the disorder to the offspring.
If the risk is high they may go for gamete donation programme like sperm or egg donation. Alternatively, IVF /ICSI with PGD may also be discussed with the couple.