Clinical Genetics is the medical specialty which provides a diagnostic, counseling and management services for individuals or families with, or at risk of, conditions which may have a genetic basis. Genetic disorders can affect any body system and any age group. The aim of Genetic Services is to help those affected by, or at risk of, a genetic disorder to live and reproduce as normally as possible. Genetic disorders include:

• Chromosomal abnormalities, which cause birth defects, mental retardation and/or reproductive problems.
• Single gene disorders such as cystic fibrosis, muscular dys trophy, Huntington’s disease and sickle cell disease.
• Familial cancer and cancer-prone syndromes such as inherited breast or colorectal cancer and neuro fibromatosis.
• Birth defects with a genetic component such as neural tube defects and cleft lip and palate