Genetic testing vs Genetic counselling: which is right for you?
Testing produces data; counselling turns it into decisions. Done properly, counselling comes first.
How Genetic testing works
Laboratory testing reads specific genes, panels or whole exomes for variants linked to disease. Raw results are probabilistic and frequently include findings of uncertain significance.
How Genetic counselling works
A genetic counsellor assesses family history, advises whether testing will actually change anything, obtains informed consent and — crucially — interprets results afterwards, including the ambiguous ones.
Which to choose
Never buy sequencing without interpretation. Counselling first decides whether to test at all; counselling afterwards decides what the result means for you, your treatment and your relatives.
Prices abroad
Accredited clinics abroad typically price both options 50–70% below Western European and UK rates, all-inclusive. Compare written quotes for both on GetClinic and discuss suitability in a free video consultation before booking either.