MARSHFIELD, Wis. (WSAW) – Genetic testing has been offered here at Marshfield Clinic for decades. Geneticists say they are typically done on babies with serious illnesses.
When geneticists are testing NICU babies, there are certain clinical findings they look for, including birth defects, seizures and other metabolic disorders. Marshfield Clinic does many of them soon after birth.
“Having a diagnosis sooner, you know, helps the families make informed decisions, as well as, you know, helps the medical team kind of tailor their care,” said Samuel Huang, medical geneticist for the Marshfield Clinic.
Huang says their goal is to find the best possible answers for these families on how they can move forward.
“Having an explanation for families, you know, where to start, where to adjust or stop certain treatment. You know, potentially, you know, avoiding, otherwise invasive diagnostic procedure,” said Huang.
With technology rapidly growing, the staff at Marshfield Clinic wants to be ahead of it. Genetic testing has become increasingly common over the years.
“Often, we’ll think of genetic conditions as, you know, serious and complex and pretty rare. Collectively rare genetic diseases can be fairly common, and that’s even more so in places like the NICU,” said Huang.
One common factor people have is that genetic testing on newborns can mean for the rest of their family if they identify a diagnosis
“That might help other children in the family and other relatives to understand if that’s something that they too, could experience or have a child that experiences, and that could help guide them in their decision-making. That information can help them direct that care going forward,” said Anna Cisler, genetic counsellor for the Marshfield Clinic.
Genetic testing can improve the health and potential treatment of newborns
Geneticists say building relationships with their patients is a big part of their job.
For more information on the benefits of genetic testing, click here.
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