Information for Health Professionals

This section of our website has information for health professionals, including key findings and ways to incorporate family history information into your practice.

Key Findings

Learn about some of the key findings from pediatric genetics research at CDC.

Key findings »

Screening for Critical Congenital Heart Defects

Learn more about how newborn screening using pulse oximetry can identify some infants with critical congenital heart defects.

Screening for Critical Congenital Heart Defects »

Using Family History Information in Pediatric Primary Care and Public Health

Family history is an important risk factor for both single-gene disorders and complex common diseases for which genetic causes are poorly understood. Family history information identifies not only shared genetic risks but also shared environmental, behavioral, and cultural factors that can affect risk.

In 2006, CDC convened a workgroup to explore the use of family history information in pediatric primary care and public health. The goals were to assess the current uses of family history information in pediatric settings and to evaluate conditions that could serve as models for using this information in pediatric settings.

We have provided links to the relevant articles, article summaries, and strategies for health professionals.

Family history in pediatric primary care and public health »

Data & Statistics

Find data and statistics related to pediatric genetics at CDC, including information on newborn screening and prenatal genetic testing.

Data & Statistics »

Research & Tracking

Find a summary of CDC research in pediatric genetics, including newborn screening, family history, and birth defects studies.

Research »

Articles

Read CDC’s latest scientific articles on pediatric genetics topics.

Articles »

Pediatric Genetics Training

The following training program is relevant to pediatric genetics at CDC’s National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities:

Epidemic Intelligence Service