Genetic Testing and Counseling · USMLE Step 1

What is the primary purpose of genetic counseling before genetic testing?

  1. To persuade and pressure individuals into undergoing testing
  2. To help people understand the risks, benefits, and limits of testing
  3. To provide a definitive diagnosis without any further confirmatory testing
  4. To collect DNA and perform testing without obtaining informed consent
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Correct answer: To help people understand the risks, benefits, and limits of testing

Genetic counseling involves educating individuals/families about the medical, psychological and familial implications of genetic conditions including risks, benefits, limitations, and possible outcomes of testing — enabling informed decision-making.

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