Genetics

Genetics is the branch of science that studies the effects of hereditary characteristics, genes, and chromosomes on human health. Today, genetic evaluations can contribute to the evaluation of many diseases based on individuals’ health history, family background, and necessary laboratory investigations.

At MediHeart Medical Center, Molecular Biology Specialist Eliz Konat provides services to individuals and families in genetic counseling and genetic evaluation processes in line with scientific and current approaches.

Within the scope of Genetics Guzelyurt services; genetic counseling, evaluation of family history, examination of hereditary disease risks, and information regarding deemed appropriate genetic test processes are provided.

Our center serves individuals applying not only from the Guzelyurt region, but also from different regions of TRNC, primarily Lefke, Nicosia, Kyrenia, Famagusta, and Iskele. Where appropriate, individuals coming from across North Cyprus and Cyprus can also apply to our center.

What is Genetic Counseling?

Genetic counseling is a professional healthcare service that encompasses evaluating an individual’s or family’s health history, addressing hereditary disease risks, and providing information about genetic tests when deemed appropriate.

During the counseling process:

• Personal health history

• Family medical history

• Hereditary disease history

• Previously performed tests

• Deemed necessary laboratory results

are evaluated together. The evaluation process for each individual is planned according to their medical history and needs.

Who May Be Suitable for Genetic Evaluation?

Genetic counseling and evaluation can be planned in the following situations:

• Individuals with a family history of hereditary disease

• Those seeking information about genetic disease risks

• Couples planning a pregnancy

• Couples with consanguineous marriage (marriage between relatives)

• Individuals with a history of recurrent pregnancy loss

• Persons with suspected hereditary disease

• Individuals seeking information about genetic tests

Every application is evaluated in line with individual health history.

What Happens During the Initial Genetic Counseling Consultation?

A detailed evaluation is conducted during the initial consultation.

During this process:

• Medical history is taken.

• Family tree (pedigree) is evaluated.

• Diseases observed in the family are examined.

• Previously performed tests are reviewed.

• Information regarding genetic test options is provided when deemed necessary.

All evaluations are planned in line with the individual’s health status and needs.

Evaluation of Family History

One of the most important stages of genetic counseling is the detailed evaluation of family history.

During this evaluation:

• Diseases in first-degree relatives

• Conditions considered to be hereditary

• History of diseases manifesting at an early age

• Similar health problems among family members

are examined. This information can assist in planning necessary advanced evaluations.

Information Regarding Genetic Tests

The necessity of genetic tests may differ for each individual.

During the counseling process, detailed information is provided on:

• Which tests may be appropriate

• Purpose of the tests

• Possible limitations of the tests

• How results will be evaluated

The decision for genetic testing is made after individual evaluation.

Pre-Pregnancy Genetic Counseling

For couples planning a pregnancy, a genetic counseling process can be planned when deemed necessary.

During this process, information is provided to couples by evaluating:

• Family health history

• Hereditary disease risks

• History of consanguineous marriage

• Previous pregnancy history

Genetic Counseling Services from Different Regions of TRNC

MediHeart Medical Center offers genetic counseling and evaluation services to individuals applying from different regions of TRNC, including Lefke, Nicosia, Kyrenia, Famagusta, and Iskele, particularly Guzelyurt.

Personalized genetic evaluation and counseling services are provided by Molecular Biology Specialist Eliz Konat at our center.

Genetic Testing Process

Genetic tests are planned when deemed necessary based on the individual’s medical history, family background, and counseling evaluation. Applying the same tests to every individual may not be appropriate. Therefore, testing decisions are made following a comprehensive evaluation.

The process generally includes the stages of:

• Evaluation of medical history

• Examination of family history

• Identification of deemed necessary tests

• Pre-test information

• Evaluation of results

• Counseling process based on results

The scope and necessity of genetic tests can vary depending on personal health status.

Evaluation of Genetic Results

Obtained test results are not evaluated in isolation.

During the evaluation process:

• Test result

• Clinical findings

• Family history

• Previously performed investigations

• Opinions of other specialty fields when necessary

are evaluated together. Specialist evaluation is essential for the correct interpretation of results.

Importance of Genetic Counseling

Genetic counseling is an important healthcare service aiming to ensure individuals and families access accurate and scientific information regarding genetic diseases.

During the counseling process:

• Hereditary risks are explained.

• Information regarding genetic tests is provided.

• Possible benefits and limitations of tests are explained.

• How results will be evaluated is explained.

• Follow-up processes are planned when necessary.

Every counseling process is personalized according to individual needs.

Multidisciplinary Approach

In certain genetic evaluations, different specialty fields may need to work together.

According to need, the Genetics Unit can maintain a coordinated evaluation process with:

• Internal Medicine

• Obstetrics and Gynecology

• Pediatrics

• Neurology

• Cardiology

• Obesity Treatment

• Dietitian

• Laboratory

This multidisciplinary approach contributes to handling the individual’s health status holistically.

MediHeart Medical Center Genetics Services

At MediHeart Medical Center, Molecular Biology Specialist Eliz Konat provides services in the field of genetic counseling and genetic evaluation.

Within the scope of services, the following are offered:

• Genetic counseling

• Evaluation of family history

• Hereditary disease risk assessment

• Pre-pregnancy genetic counseling

• Information regarding genetic tests

• Evaluation of genetic test results

• Multidisciplinary referral when necessary

The evaluation process for each individual is planned in line with their health history, family background, and needs.

Why MediHeart Medical Center?

Accurate information, comprehensive analysis, and personalized approaches carry great importance in genetic evaluations.

Highlights of MediHeart Medical Center:

• Genetic counseling services provided by Molecular Biology Specialist Eliz Konat

• Personalized evaluation approach

• Scientific and current applications

• Multidisciplinary evaluation when necessary

• Laboratory support

• Access to different specialty fields within the same center

• Central location in Guzelyurt

• Application availability from across TRNC, primarily Lefke, Nicosia, Kyrenia, Famagusta, and Iskele

• Counseling service availability from across North Cyprus and Cyprus where appropriate

Frequently Asked Questions

What is genetic counseling?

The professional healthcare service encompassing the evaluation of an individual’s and their family’s health history, examination of hereditary disease risks, and provision of information regarding genetic tests when deemed necessary is defined as genetic counseling.

Is genetic testing necessary for everyone?

No. The necessity of genetic testing is determined in line with the person’s health status, family history, and specialist evaluation.

Does a genetic test result establish a definitive diagnosis?

Obtained results are interpreted alongside clinical evaluation and other medical findings.

Can couples planning a pregnancy receive genetic counseling?

Yes. Genetic counseling aimed at evaluating family history and hereditary risks can be planned for couples planning a pregnancy when necessary.

Should I receive genetic counseling if there is a hereditary disease in my family?

Individuals with a family history of hereditary disease may be recommended to receive genetic counseling for proper evaluation. Necessity is evaluated on an individual basis.

Can I apply from different cities in TRNC?

Yes. MediHeart Medical Center offers genetic counseling services to individuals applying from all regions of TRNC, primarily Guzelyurt, Lefke, Nicosia, Kyrenia, Famagusta, and Iskele.

Is it possible to apply from Cyprus?

Where appropriate, individuals coming from different regions of Cyprus can also apply to our center.

Conclusion

Genetic counseling is an important healthcare service based on scientific foundations, enabling individuals and families to acquire accurate information about hereditary disease risks. The counseling process, planned in line with personal health history, family background, and deemed necessary evaluations, can contribute to making informed healthcare decisions.

At MediHeart Medical Center, Molecular Biology Specialist Eliz Konat provides genetic counseling and genetic evaluation services. Our center offers comprehensive genetic counseling services to individuals applying from Guzelyurt in particular, as well as Lefke, Nicosia, Kyrenia, Famagusta, Iskele, and different regions of TRNC.