Genetics Clinic

Genetic Counselling is a process which aims to help individuals, couples and families understand and adapt to the medical, psychological, familial and reproductive implications of the genetic contribution to specific health conditions.

The Genetic Counselling Clinic at Sengkang General Hospital (SKH) is supported by the SingHealth Duke-NUS Genomic Medicine Centre. Patients may be referred to the genetic counselling clinic by their primary physician for pre-test genetic counselling. Individuals with a family history of a heritable disorder may also be referred to the clinic for genetic counselling.

The process of genetic counselling integrates the following:

Interpretation of family and medical histories to assess the presence or chance of a genetic condition developing
Interpretation of genetic variants and the implications for individuals and their family members
Education about the nature of the condition, inheritance pattern, testing options, management, prevention, support resources and research
Counselling to promote informed choices in view of risk assessment, personal/family goals, ethical and religious beliefs

Genetic testing differs from other types of medical investigations. Several implications should be considered and are discussed as part of the genetic counselling process:

Appropriate interpretation of results including follow-up actions for the patient according to the result
Cascade testing for family members who may not have any symptoms yet
Family planning implications and options for patients and/or family members

Note: Physical evaluation and interpretation of other investigations, for complex conditions, may require a referral to the Genetics Service at KK Women's and Children's Hospital, where a Geneticist will evaluate the patient. Genetic counselling and genetic testing is also offered through the Genetics Service.