Medical and Genetic Counseling

Indications for Consultation

There are various reasons to seek genetic counseling. Most often, the consultation is recommended in the following cases:

• when congenital disorders are detected in a child or close relatives;

• when planning a pregnancy, especially after the age of 35;

• if hereditary diseases occur in the family;

• in cases of infertility or miscarriage;

• after unclear results of screening or laboratory tests.

Stages and Methods of Consultation

A medical and genetic consultation consists of several steps. First, the doctor collects a detailed family and medical history and clarifies the presence of hereditary disorders. Then, medical documents and the results of laboratory and instrumental diagnostics are analyzed. If necessary, additional genetic tests are prescribed to detect mutations or determine the likelihood of disease transmission. The final stage includes making a prognosis and formulating recommendations for the patient and their family.

How to Prepare for the Consultation

To achieve the most accurate results, preparation is essential. Patients are advised to gather medical records, summaries of previous illnesses, test results, and information about family health issues. Sometimes, basic laboratory tests are required. Having complete information helps the doctor conduct a faster and more objective assessment.

What to Expect After the Consultation

After the appointment, the patient receives a written report containing identified risks, disease prognosis, and recommendations for further examinations or treatment. For couples, the consultation helps assess the probability of having a child with a hereditary disorder and choose the most suitable family planning methods.

Medical and Genetic Counseling in Russia

Clinics

In Russia, consultations are conducted by specialized centers, major medical institutions, and private laboratories. Genetic specialists work in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and other cities, ensuring that the service is accessible to patients from different regions. Among the leading institutions are:

• Academician N.P. Bochkov Research Center for Medical Genetics (Moscow) — a state center specializing in the diagnosis of hereditary diseases and genetic counseling.

• Next Generation Clinic (NGC, St. Petersburg) — a reproductive medicine clinic offering a wide range of genetic tests, including preimplantation diagnostics.

• V.A. Almazov National Medical Research Center (St. Petersburg) — a multidisciplinary federal center with a genetics institute focused on diagnosing and studying hereditary disorders.

Cost

The price of the consultation depends on the clinic’s level, the scope of examination, and the need for additional tests. An initial consultation with a geneticist usually starts at $50, while more complex evaluations involving DNA analysis are more expensive. The exact cost can be confirmed when booking an appointment at the chosen center.

MARUS Assistance

The MARUS service assists patients who need to undergo medical and genetic counseling. Specialists help select a clinic and qualified doctor, clarify service costs, organize diagnostics, and provide support at every stage. Consultations can be conducted both in-person and remotely. This allows patients to receive not only medical assistance but also guidance in family planning and ensuring the birth of a healthy child.