Principles of genetic testing and genetic counseling for renal clinicians

The advancement of genetic information and increased access to genetic testing options requires renal clinicians to expand their working knowledge of genetics and translate this information in a way that is meaningful to their patients. It is helpful to distinguish between the three types of genetic testing: clinical genetic testing, research genetic testing, and direct to consumer testing, and to communicate these differences to patients interested in these options. Although clinicians may not have the time to stage an entire genetic counseling session with each patient, the following scenarios offer tools and techniques from genetic counseling that can be used to facilitate the genetic testing process, foster client decision making, and to identify patients who may benefit from referral to a genetic counselor for additional support.