Genetics
Overview
The Division of Medical Genetics at the NewYork-Presbyterian Phyllis and David Komansky Center for Children’s Health specializes in prenatal genetics as well as pediatric genetics. We provide:
We also provide ongoing care for patients with genetic conditions.
Importance of Genetic Testing
As more is uncovered about the genetic basis for many diseases, genetic diagnosis and counseling is becoming increasingly important for families. Genetic testing can now be performed for more than 1,000 disorders including:
- hemophilia
- cystic fibrosis
- sickle cell anemia
- Tay-Sachs disease
Genetic evaluation and testing can help to make a definitive diagnosis in a child, as well as predict the risk of recurrence for future children and/or other family members.
Using a nondirective approach, our staff provides an individualized array of genetic services to address the unique needs of each family. We specialize in genetic testing and counseling for individuals and families with a history of an inherited disease; for mothers who are older and therefore at greater risk of having a baby with chromosomal problems; and for women who have been exposed to radiation or certain chemicals that may put their fetus at risk for abnormalities.
The Division of Medical Genetics offers programs in early prenatal diagnosis, pre-implantation genetic diagnosis and assisted reproductive technology to give couples multiple options for having healthy children. When therapy is indicated for a fetus, we can manage the condition medically or treat the fetus in utero using minimally invasive procedures in conjunction with the Perinatal Center at Weill Cornell.
