ABSTRACT
Genetic services have developed as a specialist service in health care over the past 50 years. Clinical genetic services were established in both Europe and in North America in the post-war period, but substantial growth occurred in the 1980s, as recombinant DNA technology opened the door to a number of new tests and services for families. In many countries, including the UK, Belgium, Holland, Australia Canada and the USA, the service is provided by medical geneticists and nonmedical genetic counselors, working together in teams. The specific remit of genetic services is to provide information and support for individuals and families at risk of or affected by a genetic condition.
