Overview
Genetic counselling and prenatal genetic services allow families to understand their risks, make informed decisions, and access the most appropriate diagnostic pathway. Our genetics service works in close integration with our fetal medicine team.
What We Offer
Prenatal Genetic Services
Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT), Carrier Screening for inherited conditions, and high-resolution Chromosomal Microarray Analysis.
Counseling & Support
Expert genetic counseling for consanguineous couples, abnormal scan findings, and post-diagnosis pathway planning.
What to Expect
Specialist-led consultative sessions where complex results are decoded into clear, actionable information. We provide decision-making support and neonatal pathway planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is carrier screening, and who should have it?
Carrier screening is a blood test that tells you whether you carry a gene for an inherited recessive condition, such as thalassaemia, cystic fibrosis or spinal muscular atrophy. A carrier is healthy, but if both partners carry the same condition there is a one-in-four chance of an affected child in each pregnancy. It is recommended before or early in pregnancy, and particularly for couples with a family history or a relationship between relatives.
We are related as cousins. Why is genetic counselling recommended for us?
Consanguineous couples share a larger proportion of their genes, which raises the chance that both carry the same recessive condition. Genetic counselling assesses your specific risk, arranges targeted carrier screening, and explains your options in clear terms. Knowing this in advance means you can make informed decisions rather than discovering a risk after a pregnancy is affected.
My NIPT or scan came back abnormal. What does the genetics service do next?
Our genetic counsellors decode complex results into clear, actionable information and explain what the finding does and does not mean. Where appropriate we arrange confirmatory diagnostic testing, such as amniocentesis with chromosomal microarray, and help you plan the next steps. The genetics service works in close integration with our fetal medicine team so your care is joined up.
What is the difference between genetic screening and a diagnostic genetic test?
Screening tests such as NIPT or carrier screening estimate the likelihood of a condition but do not confirm it. A diagnostic test, performed on a sample from amniocentesis or CVS and analysed by chromosomal microarray, examines the fetal DNA directly and gives a definitive answer. Counselling helps you decide whether and when to move from screening to diagnosis.
What actually happens in a genetic counselling session?
It is a specialist-led consultation where your family history, previous pregnancies and any test results are reviewed and explained without jargon. You receive a clear picture of your risk, the testing options available, and support in making decisions that fit your values. Where a condition is confirmed, we also help plan the neonatal care pathway.
Do I need a referral for genetic counselling, and is it available in Al Ain?
You can request genetic counselling directly, and referrals from your obstetrician or another specialist are also welcome. These services are available to patients across Abu Dhabi and Al Ain and integrate with our fetal medicine and prenatal testing services. Insurance coverage for genetic services varies by plan, so we recommend confirming the details before your appointment.