Prenatal Genetics Referrals | New York State Department of Health, Wadsworth Center

The prenatalreferral information on this page is also available as a flyer in pdf format

When to Refer to Genetics

Genetic risk assessment and testing can be helpful in aiding in the care of individuals with a personal or family history of genetic conditions.
A genetics referral can be considered for individuals/couples who are currently pregnant or for individuals/couples who are planning to become pregnant.
Some genetic conditions can be inherited through either a mother or father, while others can be inherited through both parents or can be new in an individual.
Those with an unknown or limited family history can still be referred to genetics for evaluation.
Prenatal genetic risk assessment and testing can:
- Be performed as part of routine prenatal screening for aneuploidy and open neural tube defects
- Screen for and diagnose genetic conditions prenatally
- Impact treatment and management recommendations
- Inform individuals of possible risks to future children

General Referral Guidelines for Prenatal Indications*

A genetics evaluation should be offered to all women interested in prenatal genetic screening or testing. Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant who meet any of the following guidelines may be at an increased risk and a genetics referral should be considered:

A personal or family history of a known pathogenic variant/mutation
A personal or family history of a known or suspected genetic disorder, birth defect, or chromosomal abnormality
Consanguinity (mother and father are related by blood)
Women who will be 35 years of age or older at the time of delivery
Women with positive or abnormal results following maternal serum screening
Women with abnormal results following a CVS or amniocentesis
Fetal anomalies identified via ultrasound
Exposure to potential teratogens during pregnancy, including certain prescription medications, maternal infections, recreational drugs, or radiation
A history of stillbirth, SIDs, or 3 or more recurrent miscarriages

*adapted from NSGC.org

Carrier Screening

Carrier screening may be appropriate for individuals or couples who are interested in learning if they carry a gene for certain genetic conditions. In some cases, it takes two genetic variants for a person to develop a disorder, and through carrier screening, couples who are carriers can be counseled about their risk of having a child with that genetic condition.

Carrier screening for Cystic Fibrosis (CF) and Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) should be offered to all pregnant women.
Carrier screening is recommended for individuals from certain ethnic backgrounds that are associated with a higher carrier frequency. This includes individuals with Ashkenazi Jewish, African American, French-Canadian, Mediterranean, and/or Asian ancestry.

Full referral guidelines are referenced on the back of this handout and are periodically updated. If you are concerned about a patient’s personal or family history, a genetics professional can help determine if further risk assessment and/or genetic testing is indicated.

Prenatal Screening and Testing Overview

Test Name & Type of Test	Timing	Description
Carrier Screening Screening Test	Preconception or any time during pregnancy	Genetic testing performed in one or both parents in order to determine risk for child to be affected with certain recessive or x-linked genetic conditions.
Maternal Serum Screening Screening Test	First Trimester: 10 to 13 weeks Second Trimester: 15 to 22 weeks	First trimester: Maternal blood test paired with ultrasound exam to screen for trisomy 21 and trisomy 18. Second trimester: Maternal blood test to screen for trisomy 21, trisomy 18, and neural tube defects.
Non-Invasive Prenatal Screening/ Testing (NIPS/NIPT) Screening Test	10 weeks and beyond	Maternal blood test to screen for trisomy 21, trisomy 18, trisomy 13, and sex chromosome abnormalities.
Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) Diagnostic Test	10 to 13 weeks	Analysis of fetal cells from chorionic villi sample which can diagnose chromosomal abnormalities and other genetic conditions.
Amniocentesis Diagnostic Test	15 to 20 weeks	Analysis of fetal cells from an amniotic fluid sample which can diagnose chromosomal abnormalities, neural tube defects, and other genetic conditions.

Take Action

If your patient meets any of these criteria:

Talk to your patient about recommendations for a genetics referral
Visit the NYMAC Prenatal Genetics Referrals webpage
For assistance locating the nearest genetics service provider in the New York Mid-Atlantic Caribbean Regional Genetics Network (NYMAC), go to Find a Genetics Clinic - NYMAC- Regional Genetics Network

Guidelines and Recommendations

These recommendations were compiled by NYMAC in May, 2019. Please check links for updated professional organization recommendations.

Resources

March of Dimes: A non-profit organization focused on education about and improving the health of mothers and babies
National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC): Find a Genetic Counselor A tool developed by NSGC for patients and providers to locate genetic counseling services in North America (U.S. and Canada)
GeneReviews through the NIH: Resource for providers about the diagnosis and management of patients with genetic conditions