Next Biosciences offers specialised genetic counselling to help you understand the test options available, including any associated benefits and limitations. This ensures you are making informed decisions that are in keeping with your values and beliefs.

All patients who receive positive results following a TriScreen NIPT Test, are offered a free genetic counselling session to discuss the implications of the result and the available options in more detail.

For any other genetic counselling sessions, your healthcare provider can refer you for a genetic counselling session or you are welcome to contact us directly: genetics@nextbio.co.za

KELLY

Kelly Loggenberg is our in-house genetic counsellor. Kelly is a registered genetic counsellor with more than 13 years experience, in both research and clinical settings. Kelly was based in the UK for 10 years but in 2018 moved back to South Africa. Kelly works part-time Next Biosciences as well as runs her own practice.

Kelly L_Elements-01

During a genetic counselling session, the genetic counsellor will do the following:

  • Draw up a family tree from your personal and family history
  • Discuss the cause, inheritance and risks of the genetic condition for you, your family and future pregnancies
  • Discuss treatment, management and preventive options, if appropriate
  • Offer genetic testing, where available
  • Explain the testing process including timing, benefits, limitations, and manage your expectations
  • Address your concerns, queries and any ethical issues
  • Facilitate the testing process in conjunction with your referring healthcare provider
  • Communicate results to you and provide appropriate support and car

You could benefit from genetic counselling if you:

  • Have a child or a family history of a genetic condition, chromosome abnormality, birth defect or developmental delay
  • Are from an ethnic group at higher risk for a genetic condition eg. Ashkenazi Jews
  • Are worried about the risk of having a child with a birth defect or genetic condition
  • Are pregnant and over the age of 35 years
  • Have a personal or family history of miscarriages or stillbirths
  • Have a strong family history of cancer
  • Have a pregnancy that is classified as high risk, from previous assessments performed
  • Need information on prenatal screening and testing

Genetic counsellors are healthcare professionals that are trained in medical genetics and counselling.

They help you make sense of complex genetic information, discuss the available options and possible implications thereof whilst providing emotional support throughout the process.
Genetic counsellors do not only focus on you as an individual but will enable you to understand the impact of genetic test results on your family.