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Every genetic test result tells a story, but it takes a skilled professional to turn information into understanding. This Genetic Counsellor Appreciation Day, we're celebrating the genetic counsellors who do exactly that, every day.

More than a test result

Reproductive genetic testing supports families at every stage, from planning a pregnancy onwards. Preconception carrier screening, such as CarrierScreen, shows whether both partners carry a gene change for the same inherited condition, such as cystic fibrosis, giving them time to consider their options before pregnancy. Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT), such as TriScreen, screens for chromosomal conditions from a simple blood sample, while preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) helps couples going through IVF make informed choices about their embryos. Testing after a pregnancy loss (POCScreen) can help explain the loss and what it might mean for the future.

These are powerful tools, and they raise big questions. If we're both carriers, what does that mean for our children? What does a ‘high chance’ result actually mean? Is a screening result the same as a diagnosis? Genetic counsellors help people work through these questions, explaining the options clearly and without pressure to choose one path over another.

The bridge between lab, clinician and patient

Genetic counsellors occupy a unique space in healthcare. They speak the language of the laboratory, the clinician and the patient, and they translate between all three.

• With the lab, they help make sure the right test is ordered for the right person, flag the clinical details that matter for interpretation, and work through complex or unexpected findings with laboratory scientists.

• With referring clinicians, they're a sounding board for test selection, help interpret results in context, and support clear follow-up plans, saving busy doctors’ time and reducing uncertainty.

• With patients, they make sense of complex science, explore what a result means for this pregnancy and future ones, and support people through decisions that are deeply personal.

When this connection works well, everyone benefits: fewer misunderstandings, better-informed decisions and care centred on the patient.

‘The question I’m asked most often is some version of “What does this mean for me?” Sometimes it’s about this pregnancy, sometimes a future one, sometimes their chances of having a family at all. Helping people answer that for themselves is what the job is really about.’ - Kelly Loggenberg, Genetic Counsellor

What this means for you

If you're a patient, a genetic counsellor is someone in your corner. They'll take the time to explain your options before testing, help you understand your results afterwards, and respect your right to make the choice that's right for you and your family.

For clinicians, they work as an extension of your team. Involving them early, before testing and not only after an unexpected result, supports informed consent, the right choice of test, and smoother delivery of results.

Our genetic counsellors spend their days explaining difficult results and helping families think through decisions that rarely have easy answers. We’re grateful for the difference they make to the families we serve.