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Genetic Counseling &
Testing
For a quick tutorial on the genetics of Huntington's
Disease,
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The HDSA HD Center of Excellence Genetic program at USF is committed to providing a carefully planned
quality program of care for those people at-risk for Huntington's disease who are interested in knowing their gene status.
The diagnosis of Huntington's disease depends on characteristic physical and mental changes, a positive
family history, and a DNA test. The DNA test can also determine if an asymptomatic person will later develop the disease.
Testing is available at the HDSA Center of Excellence at USF which can determine whether or not a person
carries the gene for HD. This decision is a very difficult and personal one and requires careful consideration. For
some, being tested means preparing for the future (marriage and a family) while others prefer to live with uncertainty.
If you contact the Center because you are considering prenatal or presymptomatic testing, all information
is kept confidential. And, at any time, you have the right to stop this voluntary testing. This testing process will always
be available to you and can be continued at a later date.
When your appointment is made through the Center's Treatment & Services, a team of professionals will be involved in doing the presymptomatic testing for
the HD gene. |
This team, working together, includes a medical geneticist, social worker, genetic counselor, neurologist, psychiatrist,
neuropsychologist and psychologist. However, if preferred, individual appointments may be made directly with the Regional
Genetics Program at USF. See contact information, below.
The testing for the presence of the HD gene at our Center is done using a protocol that will assist the individual in
deciding if this test is right for him or her. This protocol is based on guidelines established by the HDSA and the National
Association of Genetic Counselors and best serves the needs of those who choose to be tested.
Contact Information:
University of South Florida
Huntington's Disease Center of Excellence
Health Sciences Center
12901
Bruce B. Downs Blvd (MDC 55)
Tampa, FL 33612
Contact: Marci McCall, M.T.S.
Phone: 1-813-974-6022
Fax: 1-813-974-7200
Appointments can be made for a Tuesday or Wednesday of each week. This service is available to Florida residents only.
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Resources
The decision to be tested for Huntington's Disease is an extremely
difficult and soul-wrenching one to make. The information on this site -> Genetic Testing is a collection of articles, stories and information for people considering being tested for Huntington's
Disease and their families. Information on Genetic Testing, Testing in HD, Prenatal, Preimplantation, Testing Children,
Risks, Personal Stories, Discrimination in the Workforce, Insurance Issues. |
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