If the health history of your family or your partner’s family involves
certain medical conditions or diseases, you may naturally have concerns
about the effects on your health, as well as the possibility of a genetic
disorder appearing in your children. Genetic testing and counseling can
offer clarity for your future and any necessary treatment options.
Comprehensive Genetic Services Close to Home
When you or a loved one face the potential inclination for or risk of inherited
health conditions, you can talk with the genetic specialists and counselors
at Oklahoma Children’s Hospital OU Health in Oklahoma City. Although
genetic testing is not right for everyone, you may benefit from knowing
your status as you make decisions for yourself and your family.
Request an Appointment
Talk with an OU Health specialist in genetics and genetic counseling as
well as rare diagnosis.
Get Tested to Detect Congenital Genetic Conditions
At Oklahoma Children’s Hospital, you’ll work with a multidisciplinary
team of experts, including genetic physicians and maternal-fetal medicine
(MFM) specialists, to understand the effects of genetic, familial or congenital
conditions such as:
You and your OU Health genetic counselor work together to arrive at a comprehensive
evaluation of your specific situation, which includes your medical history,
lifestyle and family history. From that information, you receive an accurate
diagnosis and a complete treatment plan in a conversation with your genetic
counselor, who also helps you understand what your results mean for you
and your loved ones.
Genetic Counseling for Pregnant Women
For anyone currently expecting a child and concerned about the risk for
a genetic condition, you’re in good hands with OU Health genetic
physicians. You may work with maternal-fetal medicine specialists at our
Prenatal Diagnostic Center for testing that can help you better understand
your specific situation.
During testing at Oklahoma Children’s Hospital, your genetic physician
takes samples from your blood, hair, amniotic fluid or other tissues as
well as similar samples from your child. You participate in a thorough
review of lifestyle, medical history and family history for you and your
partner. Then, you receive your genetic test results with your counselor’s
comprehensive evaluation and guidance to help you address any health issues.
In addition, you and your genetic counseling team identify a wide range
of resources, community groups or agencies that can support you and your
loved ones throughout your health journey.
Multidisciplinary Genetic Counseling Services
Take advantage of the many OU Health services related to genetic conditions,
including:
BRCA gene-related cancers of the breast and other high-risk areas
Cleft palate program
Craniofacial reconstructive surgery
Genetic counseling
Hemophilia support
Maternal-fetal medicine program
Metabolic bone program
Muscular dystrophy resources such as the national Muscular Dystrophy Association
(MDA) and others
Neurocutaneous program
Neurogenetics program
Newborn screening
Breast Health Network
Telemedicine through Cancer Centers of SW Oklahoma
Turner syndrome program
How to Prepare for Genetic Tests
Genetic testing helps you better understand your own or your child’s
health, development or risk for an inherited condition. Here’s how
to prepare for your or your child’s upcoming appointment.
Before Your Visit
Bring all medical records from non-OU Health clinics and hospitals. Examples
include office notes, laboratory reports, imaging, therapy evaluations
and IEP evaluations.
Review your or your child’s personal health history such as milestones
(age your child first rolled over, sat alone, walked and more), chronic
illnesses, surgeries, hospitalizations and medications.
Review your family’s health history. Consider asking your family
members about medical or developmental concerns, pregnancy losses, birth
defects, age/cause of death and other conditions.
Consider bringing family photos to the appointment. Because traits can
run in families, photographs of parents, siblings or relatives that resemble
your child can help with the evaluation. For older children, bring baby
photos, if available.
Bring your insurance card. If you have insurance or billing questions before
or after your appointment,
visit this page to learn more.
At Your Appointment
An appointment for genetics services often involves more detail than other
health appointments. Your visit can last approximately two hours due to
the complex nature of many genetic conditions.
At a new patient visit, you’ll meet with a genetic counselor and
a geneticist. You’ll share information about yourself, your child
and your child’s pregnancy, as well as medical and developmental
histories. A genetic counselor will draw your family tree, known as a pedigree.
You may undergo a detailed physical exam and discuss findings, possible
diagnosis and any follow-up recommendations. In many cases, your first
visit also will include laboratory testing, imaging or other referrals
before you receive a diagnosis.
After Your Visit
If you received follow-up recommendations, your OU Health genetics team
will help coordinate any laboratory tests, imaging or procedures and communicate
these results to you. Getting results from genetic testing often can take
4-6 weeks or longer. Your team will arrange follow-up visits to discuss
diagnosis or further recommendations.
Your OU Health genetics team welcomes families to call with any unanswered
questions or concerns. You or your child’s primary doctor will receive
a letter shortly after the appointment that summarizes the information
discussed.
Your Expert Genetics Physician & Counseling Team
At Oklahoma Children’s Hospital OU Health, your multidisciplinary
genetics care team involves a wide range of healthcare specialists who
work with you to arrive at a comprehensive evaluation for your specific
situation. You and your team meet to discuss diagnosis, underlying genetic
concepts and genetic test results, as well as ways to support your family
and help you find additional resources.
Your genetics care team may include providers or consultations in specialties such as:
Audiology
Cardiology
Ear, nose and throat (ENT), including voice and swallowing specialists
Endocrinology
Nephrology
Reproductive medicine
Urology
Vascular medicine
You and your loved ones benefit from both their sensitive support and the
valuable resources they provide.
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