Genetic Counselor how-to

How to Draw a Three-Generation Pedigree

Pedigrees reveal inheritance patterns.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

Pedigrees reveal inheritance patterns. In short: start; add; add, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Start with the patient.

  2. Add parents and siblings.

  3. Add grandparents and their children.

  4. Record conditions and ages.

  5. Note ancestry.

  6. Look for patterns.

Safety reminders for genetic counselors

  • Protect genetic privacy
  • Get informed consent
  • Avoid overstating results
  • Support emotional safety

Pedigree · Variant · Pathogenic · VUS · Carrier · Autosomal dominant: see the full genetic counselor glossary.

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