What is genetic counseling?

Bleeding disorders such as hemophilia, von Willebrand disease, as well as other blood disorders can often be the result of a genetic condition. Identifying a hereditary (genetic) disorder can help specialists in treatment decisions, identify family members with the same condition, and discuss the chance of passing the disorder to future children. Genetic counseling is an opportunity to identify, understand, and support families with inherited blood conditions. A genetic counselor works with you and your family to provide compassionate, one-on-one education and support as you learn more about your condition.

Genetic counseling at the Hemophilia and Thrombosis Center (HTC)

At the HTC we have a genetic counseling team who meets virtually with families who have hereditary conditions. Genetic counseling is included as a part of our comprehensive care at no additional cost to you.

Talking with our genetic counseling team can help you:

• Assess your family's chance of having a hereditary blood condition
• Explore available genetic testing options, review results, and discuss the implications
• Review how a condition is inherited and identify other family members who may also be impacted
• Evaluate reproductive health and options available to families with hereditary disorders
• Provide support resources and connections for families with the same or similar conditions
• Connect families to research opportunities when applicable

Our genetic counselors are accredited and board-certified with advanced training and experience. 

How genetics fits into our HTC multidisciplinary team

At the HTC, our patients see a multidisciplinary team whose expertise provides comprehensive care for patients and families of those with blood disorders. Our team includes:

Hematologists: these are doctors who specialize in blood and bleeding disorders. They can diagnose and make medical recommendations and prescribe medication to patients.

Nursing team: our nursing staff helps your family monitor patient's health and manage health concerns that come up both at and between appointments.

Psychosocial team members: this team includes psychologists, social workers, and child life specialists who provide mental health counseling, education, community resources, and additional support with concerts related to living with a bleeding or clotting disorder.

Physical Therapists: our PTs provide treatment and education to prevent and heal injuries or pain that can be caused or complicated by bleeding or clotting disorders.

Pharmacists: we have a team of accredited and experienced pharmacists who provide support for prescribed medication, including shipping needed medicine and supplies to patients.

Genetic counselors: specialists who help families understand and apply genetic information to their lives based on a family's culture and values.

Who we serve

Our HTC genetics team cares for all patients at the HTC who may be diagnosed or potentially diagnosed with the following conditions, including some that may not be listed:

Coagulation and bleeding disorders

• Factor II deficiency
• Factor V deficiency
• Factor VII deficiency
• Factor VIII deficiency (hemophilia A)
• Factor IX deficiency (hemophilia B)
• Factor XI deficiency
• Glanzmann thrombasthenia
• Von Willebrand disease

Thrombosis and thrombophilia

• Antithrombin deficiency
• Dysfibrinogenemia
• Factor V Leiden
• Protein C deficiency
• Protein S deficiency
• Prothrombin thrombophilia
• Pediatric Stroke