Skip Navigation
Genetics Home Reference: your guide to understanding genetic conditions  
 
A service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine®
Home   What's New   Browse   Handbook   Glossary   Resources   About   Help    Search 

About Genetics Home Reference

What is the Genetics Home Reference?

Genetics Home Reference is the National Library of Medicine's web site for consumer information about genetic conditions and the genes or chromosomes responsible for those conditions.

The resources on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Users seeking information about a personal genetic disease, syndrome, or condition should consult with a qualified healthcare professional. See How can I find a genetics professional in my area? in the Handbook.

What information is in the Genetics Home Reference?

Condition Summaries
Each summary explains the condition's genetic cause and pattern of inheritance. In addition, each summary links directly to related gene or chromosome information and to more detailed information about the condition.
Gene Summaries
Each summary provides the official name and symbol of a gene, its chromosomal location, and an explanation of its normal function and how mutations in the gene cause particular genetic conditions. Each gene summary links directly to related genetic conditions and to more detailed information about the gene.
Chromosome Summaries
Chromosome summaries provide an estimate of the amount of DNA and number of genes for each chromosome. Chromosomal conditions link directly to related chromosomes, with an explanation of how changes in the number or structure of chromosomes can lead to certain disorders.
Handbook
Help Me Understand Genetics Handbook is an illustrated, basic explanation of how genes work and how mutations cause disorders. It also includes current information about genetic testing, gene therapy, and the Human Genome Project.
Glossary
A glossary of genetic and medical terms is available from every web page. In addition, each summary provides a list of glossary terms used on the page, with a direct link to their definitions.

How are topics selected for Genetics Home Reference?

The main health topics in MedlinePlus® that have a genetic component are selected for inclusion in Genetics Home Reference. If your topic of interest is not yet included, please check back regularly for new information.

Who sponsors the Genetics Home Reference?

Genetics Home Reference is a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, part of the National Institutes of Health, an agency of the Department of Health and Human Services.

Who develops and reviews the content on Genetics Home Reference?

Genetics Home Reference is developed by a project staff that includes board-certified medical geneticists, biologists, and computer and information scientists. The content is reviewed regularly to ensure that it is accurate and up-to-date. Expert reviewers perform a comprehensive review of each condition and gene summary before it is posted to Genetics Home Reference and annually thereafter.

How are web links selected for the Genetics Home Reference?

The Genetics Home Reference does not provide an exhaustive list of resources, but links to a selective list of health information sources from the National Institutes of Health and other organizations. A pointer to selection criteria is found at the bottom of each web page. An icon (This link leads to a site outside Genetics Home Reference.) signals that a link leaves Genetics Home Reference.

How can I link my web site to Genetics Home Reference?

See Linking to Genetics Home Reference for information about linking to this site from your Web page. Please read our Terms and Conditions regarding use of Genetics Home Reference data.
 
Published: October 22, 2004

Contact NLM Customer ServiceThis link leads to a site outside Genetics Home Reference.
Lister Hill National Center for Biomedical CommunicationsThis link leads to a site outside Genetics Home Reference.
U.S. National Library of MedicineThis link leads to a site outside Genetics Home Reference., National Institutes of HealthThis link leads to a site outside Genetics Home Reference., Department of Health & Human ServicesThis link leads to a site outside Genetics Home Reference.
Freedom of Information ActThis link leads to a site outside Genetics Home Reference. CopyrightThis link leads to a site outside Genetics Home Reference. PrivacyThis link leads to a site outside Genetics Home Reference. AccessibilityThis link leads to a site outside Genetics Home Reference. FirstGov.govThis link leads to a site outside Genetics Home Reference.
Selection Criteria for Web Links
This link leads to a site outside Genetics Home Reference. Indicates a page outside Genetics Home Reference.