Clinical Genetics
To clarify genetic diseases, the Institute of Medical Genetics and Human Genetics offers a human genetic consultation.
The outpatient consultation is organised as part of a medical care centre and the Charité's outpatient clinic.
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Clinical Genetics / Genetic Consultation: General Information
Genetic consultation is a health service that provides information for individuals and families who are concerned about or are at risk for diseases caused by a genetic disorder.
Genetic consultation serves the identification, allocation and diagnostics of genetic disorders and accompanying diseases. If a person is diagnosed with a genetic condition, the progression of the disease, its prevalence rate and inheritance patterns will be explained to the patient, couple, or family.
It is the patient's decision whether genetic diagnostics is performed and requires his or her written consent. People seeking genetic counseling are helped to understand genetic testing options and encouraged to make their own decision. The details discussed at a genetic counseling visit are subject to medical confidentiality.
Predictive molecular genetic diagnostics for genetic diseases that may occur during adulthood are only offered to people of full age and after a cooling off period following the first genetic counseling visit.
What is genetic counseling?
- Find answers to your questions about origins of genetic conditions and how they affect you
- Review your family and medical histories (patient history)
- Interpret the results of genetic tests and medical data
- Provide a full physical examination if important to rule out or diagnose a genetic condition
- Recommend laboratory tests such as a blood test or tissue examination if important to rule out or diagnose a genetic condition
- Discuss general genetic risks
- Evaluate specific genetic risks
- Help each person make informed, independent decisions about their health care and reproductive options
Why might I have a genetic consultation?
- A personal or family history of a genetic condition, or developmental disorder
- A child with a birth defect, or developmental delay potentially caused by a genetic disorder
- Disease of the skeleton caused by a genetic disorder
- Undesired childlessness and/or two or more pregnancy losses (miscarriages)
- Concern about risks to the pregnancy (e.g. associated with increasing parental age)
- Concern about risks to the pregnancy due to an increased level of exposure to radiation or medication
To make an appointment for genetic counseling
Monday - Friday 09:00 - 16:00
+49 30 450 569 132
Location: Charité Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin
Local address: Südring 11 (take entrance B at the back front of the building)