Information for patients

Genetic Health Queensland (GHQ) provides diagnosis, counselling, and management advice to individuals and families who have, or are at risk of having, a genetic or inherited condition. People who might be referred to GHQ include those who have:

• a personal or family history of a known or suspected genetic condition such as: muscular dystrophy, chromosome disorder, haemophilia, cystic fibrosis, growth disorders, fragile X syndrome, intellectual or developmental disability, metabolic disorders, or other genetic syndrome
• a personal or family history of birth defects such as:cleft lip and palate, club foot, congenital heart disease, and spina bifida
• an increased risk of having children with a genetic condition because of:
  • their ethnic background
  • consanguinity (husband and wife, or partners, are related e.g. first cousins)
  • an increased risk result from screening tests during pregnancy
  • exposure to drugs, alcohol, chemicals, infection or radiation during pregnancy
• a personal or family history of stillbirths or early infant deaths where tests have indicated a possible underlying genetic cause
• a personal or family history of cancer.