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Genetics is vitally important in the health sciences, but its relevance on a day-to-day basis is often poorly understood. Genetics for the Health Sciences introduces the general principles of genetics and links these to real world examples, to allow nurses, midwives, genetic counselors and doctors to apply this knowledge in their routine clinical practice. Based on their extensive experience of clinical work, the authors emphasize the practical issues related to the health care of individuals and families. The book takes an holistic approach, from preconception to adulthood, and addresses the false notion that clinical genetics is of relevance only to those who are planning a family As well as discussing the basic principles, Genetics for the Health Sciences also describes the latest technologies and shows how these can be applied to clinical practice. Genetics for the Health Sciences is an essential text which helps all those in clinical health care understand the genetics they need in their professional roles. It is also an ideal course book for students in the health care professions seeking an understanding of core genetic principles and how these are applied in practice. About The Author Heather Skirton is a registered nurse and qualified midwife. She worked in pediatrics and midwifery for many years before becoming a genetic nurse. She was instrumental in introducing a registration system for genetic counsellors in the UK and is a registered genetic counsellor. Heather has over 16 years’ experience in clinical genetics and she was Co-Director of the Masters course in Genetic Counseling at Cardiff University for four years. As a past President of the International Society of Nurses in Genetics and director of many European courses in genetics, she has contact with genetics health professionals worldwide. She is now Professor of Applied Health Genetics at the University of Plymouth (UK). Christine Patch is currently Consultant Genetics, Counsellor/Manager in the Clinical Genetics department in Guy’s Hospital in London. She originally qualified as a nurse and started in genetics in the late 1980s. After some 15 years of experience in clinical genetics, she spent some time as a researcher before moving back into the NHS. Her research interests are in evaluating genetic technologies. She is a member and past member of various professional and advisory bodies including the UJK Human Genetics Commission and the Professional and Public Policy Committee of the European Society for Human Genetics. Table of Content Setting the scene The family history Counseling issues Basic concepts in genetic science Public health genetics Before conception Pregnancy and the perinatal period Infancy Childhood and adolescence Adulthood Older adulthood Development of genetic health care competence in the health professions Glossary of terms Reference Answers to ‘Test yourself’ questions Appendix 1 – The Bayesian calculation Appendix 2 – The Hardy – Weinberg equilibrium Appendix 3 – Southern blotting Index