Genetic Counselor how-to

How to Explain a VUS

Uncertain results need careful framing.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

Uncertain results need careful framing. In short: explain; say; explain, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Explain what a variant is.

  2. Say it is uncertain.

  3. Explain it shouldn’t change care.

  4. Base decisions on family history.

  5. Explain reclassification.

  6. Plan follow-up.

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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