Defining the role of laboratory genetic counselor

J Genet Couns. 2012 Aug;21(4):605-11. doi: 10.1007/s10897-011-9419-0. Epub 2011 Nov 11.

Abstract

An increasing number of genetic counselors are moving into non-clinical roles, where their primary duties do not involve direct patient contact. According to the National Society of Genetic Counselors Professional Status Survey in 2010, 23% of counselors working in non-clinical roles identified laboratory or genetic testing as their primary area of work. Using a survey, we identified 43 genetic counselors who work predominately in laboratory settings. The two primary tasks performed by participants, include acting as a customer liaison (95%) and calling out test results (88%). Nineteen participants (44.2%) also reported spending a considerable amount of time signing reports. The most prevalent areas of job satisfaction were support from laboratory directors (76.8%), autonomy (76.7%), interactions with clinicians (69.7%) and interaction with other genetics counselors (67.5%). This is the first study specifically looking at the roles of laboratory genetic counselors, which is an expanding area of genetic counseling.

MeSH terms

  • Genetic Counseling*
  • Humans
  • Job Satisfaction
  • Laboratory Personnel*
  • Professional Role*
  • Workforce