#133 DTC Series: Melanie Hardy on Carrier Screening

This episode is the last installment of our 7 part direct-consumer genetic testing series. Joining for this episode is guest Melanie Hardy, Assistant Director of JScreen Genetic Counseling Services, which is part of Emory University School of Medicine. Melanie has been an active member in The National Society of Genetic Counselors and the American Board of Genetic Counseling, including chairing multiple committees, workgroups and programs. She has also served on capstone committees for genetic counseling students at multiple universities.

On This Episode We Discuss:

Number of conditions on carrier screening

Different methods of carrier screening

Conditions more common in people of Ashkenazi Jewish descent

Conditions where carriers can have symptoms

Limitations of carrier screening

Conditions identified on newborn screening

Potential differences between saliva and blood sample

If carrier screening should be repeated

Genetic counseling session about carrier results

Reproductive options for carriers

During this COVID-19 pandemic many patients and healthcare providers have turned to telehealth services. One of the first genetic counseling companies in this space was Advanced Tele-Genetic Counseling in 2016. AT-GC was conceptualized and grown by genetic counselors so that patients like you could access a genetic counselor no matter where you live. Their services are more important than ever to reduce your exposure during the pandemic. Learn more and book your appointment today with a board certified genetic counselor at AT-GC.com.

Learn more about JScreen on their website, JScreen.org. Stay tuned for the next new episode of DNA Today on November 6th, 2020! New episodes are released on the first and third Friday of the month. In the meantime, you can binge over 130 other episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, streaming on the website, or any other podcast player by searching, “DNA Today”.

See what else we are up to on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and our website, DNApodcast.com. Questions/inquiries can be sent to info@DNApodcast.com.