Your GP, medical specialist or midwife has referred you to the Outpatient Clinic for Clinical Genetics. This leaflet will tell you more about genetic testing and DNA investigation. It contains a genealogical form. Complete the form at home and take it to your appointment.
Your consultation
The clinical geneticist will first discuss with you why you have been referred. A family tree will then be drawn, which shows whether there are indications for a hereditary form of the condition in your family.
The clinical geneticist will also consider whether a DNA investigation is possible and would be worthwhile. If that is the case and you agree to it, you will be given a blood test form in order to have a blood sample taken.
A physical examination is hardly ever carried out. Sometimes, the clinical geneticist will ask you for medical information about yourself and possibly also about members of your family.
Gather health information at home
It is often difficult to remember details of your family’s health in the consulting room.
For example, if there is cancer in your family, the clinical geneticist will want to know which family members have had cancer and what kind of cancer. If you have come because of a different condition – of the heart, for example – it will be important to identify family members with a heart condition.
It is useful to think about this at home before the consultation, and to ask family members if necessary. A handy tool is the form family tree on our website.
Follow-up appointment
At a follow-up appointment, the clinical geneticist will discuss the result of the DNA investigation with you. You will be given a written report of this consultation, which you can read at home.
The result of the DNA investigation could be that:
- you need treatment
- you need to take precautionary measures
- you need to have regular check-ups.
Your specialist will also receive the result of the DNA investigation. The doctor will discuss with you what steps to take next.
Costs
Healthcare – and therefore also genetic testing – costs money. If you have Dutch health insurance, please note that you will be charged the full amount of the policy excess for the calendar year in which you visit our outpatient clinic.
If you are insured outside the Netherlands, you will receive the claim form yourself. You can discuss with your insurer which costs will be covered by your policy. If you would like to have an indication of the costs, please contact us before your first appointment (T: +31 43 3875855).
You can find more information about the costs to you and your family on our website.
Contact
Do you have any questions, or are you unable to come? Please let us know.
Maastricht UMC+
Klinische Genetica
T: (+31) (0)43 387 58 55
E: polikliniek.klinischegenetica@mumc.nl
Website: klinischegenetica.mumc.nl