Dayton Children’s Hospital

Genetic Testing

Our genetic counselors are highly skilled in simplifying complex genetic issues and helping you determine the best screening and diagnostic testing options.

pregnant womanYou may be referred for consultation with one of our genetic counselors.In some cases, you may be able to meet with a genetic counselor on the same day as your ultrasound. Our nurse navigator will assist you in scheduling this appointment.

The field of genetics and the variety, options and numbers of genetic tests that are available are rapidly changing, sometimes on a daily basis. This can be overwhelming, even for physicians. Our genetic counselors have advanced degrees and specialized expertise in medical genetics and counseling. The genetic counselors at Miami Valley Hospital’s Maternal-Fetal Medicine Unit are highly skilled in simplifying complex genetic issues and helping you determine the best screening and diagnostic testing options. Once a diagnosis of a genetic disorder or a birth defect is made, our genetic counselors will meet with you to explain the results and the expected outcome for your baby. The genetic counselors at Miami Valley Hospital and Dayton Children’s Hospital will collaborate to facilitate a smooth transition for on-going genetics care after your baby is born. Dayton Children’s medical genetics department is one of the eight regional genetics centers supported by grants from the Ohio Department of Health.

  • What is genetic counseling?
  • Genetic Testing
  • Genetic Counseling After Birth

Genetic counseling is the process of:

  • Gathering family history and medical records
  • Determining if genetic tests are needed
  • Providing interpretation of the family history and genetic tests
  • Helping parents understand and reach decisions about next steps

When you first meet with one of our genetic counselors they obtain genetic background information and answer any questions you may have. Our genetic counselors will complete a family risk assessment for every patient. This will help to identify and interpret the risks of an inherited disorder, explain inheritance patterns, suggest testing and lay out possible scenarios for further treatment.

Your counselor will also help you understand the risks of the same birth defect happening during another pregnancy and if there is anything you can do to prevent the condition in the future.

In some cases, the mom, dad, sibling or another close relative may need to have a diagnostic genetic exam performed by a pediatric geneticist, which is a pediatrician with additional specialized training in the field of genetics. This exam is done in order to identify or rule out a particular genetic condition. This exam will be completed by Marvin Miller, MD, geneticist at Dayton Children’s Hospital.

It may also be necessary to continue to meet with our genetic counseling team after your baby is born. The genetic counselors at Miami Valley Hospital work closely with the team at Dayton Children’s in order to determine the appropriate care plan and to allow for a seamless transition for your baby after birth.

Some of the most common conditions seen by genetic counselors after birth include:

  • Cleft lip/Cleft palate
  • Congenital heart disease
  • Cystic fibrosis
  • Down syndrome
  • Hemophilia
  • Spina bifida